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Bethell shines with historic century in Sydney
England's Jacob Bethell carved out a maiden Test century on day four of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, offering a lone bright spot as Australia moved closer to sealing the series 4-1.
England's uphill battle
Despite Bethell's unbeaten 142, England closed the day at 302-8 in their second innings, leading by just 119 runs. The tourists now face an uphill task to avoid defeat on the final day, requiring a near-flawless bowling performance and further resistance from the tail.
Australia set a formidable first-innings total of 567, with Travis Head (163) and Steve Smith (138) anchoring the hosts' dominance. England's bowlers chipped away late in the day, taking the last three wickets for 23 runs, but the deficit remained daunting.
Bethell's breakthrough
The 22-year-old Bethell, playing only his sixth Test, announced himself as England's long-term number three with a composed and stylish innings. His partnerships of 81 with Ben Duckett and 134 with Harry Brook (42) briefly threatened to turn the tide, but wickets fell around him as England's middle order collapsed.
Bethell's century-only the fifth maiden Test hundred by an England batter-came under immense pressure. He survived a fierce blow to the helmet from Cameron Green and navigated a turning pitch with poise, finishing the day as England's last hope.
"His innings had echoes of Ben Stokes' maiden century against Mitchell Johnson-elegance under fire," an analyst noted.
Collapse and injury woes
England's momentum stalled after Brook's dismissal to Beau Webster's off-spin. Will Jacks fell to a reckless shot, Jamie Smith was run out in a mix-up with Bethell, and Stokes, nursing a groin injury, edged to slip for a duck. Brydon Carse's late resistance (16) offered little consolation.
Stokes, who left the field early in the day with the injury, managed just 10 deliveries before hobbling off. His absence compounded England's struggles, with the all-rounder's tour likely ending on a sour note.
Australia's spin surprise
Webster, Australia's part-time off-spinner, proved pivotal, claiming Brook's wicket and triggering England's late collapse. His sharp turn and accuracy exposed the tourists' vulnerability, particularly after the pitch began to deteriorate.
England's selection decisions also came under scrutiny. Bethell's emergence-after impressing in New Zealand in late 2024-raised questions about the delayed promotion of the young batter, who had previously been overlooked in favor of Ollie Pope.
What's next
England's focus shifts to survival on the final day. Bethell and the tail must extend the lead to a defendable total, while the bowlers will need to exploit a wearing pitch. Australia, meanwhile, aim to wrap up the series and reclaim the Ashes on home soil.
