Jacob Bethell Shines as England Takes Lead in Final Ashes Test

Jacob Bethell delivered a standout performance on March 15, 2024, as he scored his maiden Test century during the final match of the Ashes series at the Sydney Cricket Ground. His remarkable innings helped England to a commanding second-innings lead of 119 runs with two wickets remaining, standing at 302-8 at the close of play on day four. Bethell remained unbeaten on 142, while number ten batsman Matthew Potts had yet to score.

This impressive performance comes on the heels of England’s previous victory in Melbourne, as they aim to salvage a positive outcome in a series currently led by Australia, 3-1. Bethell’s century was pivotal for England, especially after the team lost early wickets, including that of opener Zak Crawley and first-innings centurion Joe Root.

Reaching triple figures in 162 deliveries, Bethell celebrated his milestone with a lofted drive over midwicket for four runs. Reflecting on his achievement, he shared, “It’s pretty special, it’s not really sunk in yet. I haven’t really had time to kind of reflect on it.” The 22-year-old also acknowledged the presence of his parents in the crowd, raising his bat in their direction after securing the century. “To do that and have the family there was very special,” Bethell stated. His father, a former cricketer, understands the intensity of the sport, yet he admitted, “I don’t think that stops him from getting any less nervous.”

Before this match, Bethell’s highest score in red-ball cricket was 96 against New Zealand. He had been recalled for the Melbourne Test in place of Ollie Pope and contributed 40 runs in challenging conditions. As the innings unfolded, Bethell held firm while wickets fell around him. Fellow batsman Harry Brook was dismissed lbw for 42 runs, and Will Jacks was caught out without scoring, both victims of part-time off-spinner Beau Webster, who ended the day with figures of 3-51.

Webster noted that the pitch had begun to aid spin bowlers, stating, “There was a bit of wear and tear there from Starcy’s footmarks.” This change in the pitch dynamics allowed him to exploit the conditions effectively. A mix-up between Bethell and Jamie Smith led to Smith being run out for 24 runs, as the duo was building a crucial sixth-wicket partnership of 45.

England’s captain, Ben Stokes, came in at number eight when the team was at 264-6, despite having previously left the field due to a groin injury while bowling. Stokes faced five balls before being dismissed, adding to England’s batting woes.

Earlier in the match, Australia posted a first-innings total of 567, with notable contributions from Travis Head, who scored 163 runs, and captain Steve Smith, who added 138. This gave Australia a first-innings lead of 183 runs.

England’s second innings began poorly, with Mitchell Starc claiming Crawley lbw for just one run in the first over, marking his 29th wicket of the series. Ben Duckett managed to contribute 42 runs before he was bowled by Michael Neser, following an earlier drop. Root, who had scored 160 in the first innings, was dismissed lbw by Scott Boland after facing 37 balls.

As England looks to set a competitive target on the final day, Bethell emphasized the need to manage the lower order effectively. “I’m going to have to be smart around how we let Pottsy and Josh Tongue come in and what they face,” he remarked. “But I’m just going to have to hit the gaps. It’s a big outfield, so there are plenty of gaps and I just have to try and hit them.”

With the match poised for an exciting conclusion, England’s performance will be closely watched as they aim to finish the series on a high note.