The Ashes: Jacob Bethell hits first Test hundred to give England slim hope in fifth Test in Sydney | Cricket News

Jacob Bethell scored a sublime first-class century to give England hope of a fightback in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney before a late swing on the fourth evening left the tourists eight wickets down and with a lead of 119.

Bethell, aged just 22 and in only his sixth Test, demonstrated precisely why he was identified by England’s selectors just over a year ago despite the absence of a professional hundred at the time, ending the day unbeaten on 142 and consolidating the difficult number 3 spot.

After Australia were bowled out for 567 in their first innings – gaining a 183-run lead – Bethell helped England overturn that deficit with important partnerships of 81 and 102 with Ben Duckett (42) and Harry Brook (42), respectively.

Bethell conjured up his first Test ton, off 162 deliveries, with some style, leaping down the field to an off-spin delivery from Beau Webster and fearlessly smashing four to deep mid-wicket.

But Webster (3-51) perhaps delivered the decisive blow in the Test in his very next over as, with a lead of 36, he dismissed Brook and Will Jacks in the space of three deliveries to suddenly see England five down.

Jacks’ dismissal was reckless, going deep after a wild shot across the line, while Jamie Smith (26) suffered a calamitous outing later in the evening session.

The hobbled Ben Stokes (1) could only manage one run and five deliveries when he came to bat as the England skipper suffered a groin injury mid-over during the morning session.

Brydon Carse (16) also fell late in the day as England’s lead passed 100, but Bethell remains and will head into the fifth morning chasing some vital runs with the tail to try to set Australia a competitive target in this final Test of the series.

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