SYDNEY — In a spectacular display of resilience, 22-year-old Barbadian allrounder Jacob Bethell delivered his inaugural Test century at the most critical juncture, keeping England’s ambitions alive in the fifth and final Ashes encounter at Sydney Cricket Ground. The dramatic fourth day concluded with England at 302-8, establishing a 119-run advantage and setting the stage for a tense fifth-day decider.
Bethell’s remarkable innings of 142 not out from 232 balls commenced under immediate pressure when he entered the crease during the first over following Zac Crawley’s dismissal. The young batsman demonstrated exceptional composure while forming crucial partnerships: 81 runs with Ben Duckett (42), 32 with Joe Root (6), a substantial 102 with Harry Brook (42), and 45 with Jamie Smith (26). His performance single-handedly erased England’s 183-run first-innings deficit and maintained the possibility of consecutive Test victories in Australia.
Australia’s bowling attack witnessed an unexpected standout performance from allrounder Beau Webster, whose occasional offspin yielded impressive figures of 3-51. Webster dramatically shifted momentum during the 52nd over by claiming two wickets in three deliveries, including the dangerous Brook and Will Jacks, who fell for a second-ball duck.
The match took several dramatic turns, including a chaotic run-out of Jamie Smith immediately after the drinks break and the concerning injury to captain Ben Stokes, who battled right adductor problems throughout the day. Stokes managed only a single run before falling to Webster’s bowling, with Steve Smith taking a sharp catch at slip.
Australia’s commanding first-innings total of 518 was built upon centuries from Travis Head (his third this series) and Steve Smith (138), complemented by Webster’s unbeaten 71. Smith’s century marked his 13th in Ashes history, moving him to sixth on the all-time list of Test century makers.
Despite Australia having already retained the Ashes urn through victories in the first three Tests, both teams approach the final day with significant motivations—Australia seeking a 4-1 series triumph and England determined to narrow the margin after their drought-breaking win in Melbourne.