In the ongoing Ashes Test, Jacob Bethell stole the limelight with a superb maiden Test century in the fourth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
The 22-year-old England batter produced what many described as a “technical masterclass”, remaining unbeaten on 142 despite batting under immense pressure. According to ESPNcricinfo, Bethell became the ninth England batter aged 22 or younger to score a Test century against Australia.
Moments after he reached his maiden Test hundred, visuals of Bethell’s family celebrating in the stands quickly went viral. Overcome with pride and joy, they were seen shaking with emotion as they witnessed the landmark moment in his young career.
Man, Jacob Bethell’s father was literally shaking with so much joy & pride on his face…. his entire family loved it & gonna remember this moment for their lifetime!!
It is just a start Starboy, a lot of scrutiny, a long way to go from here on❤️pic.twitter.com/oRHcSgtYe4
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) January 7, 2026
Facing a daunting first-innings deficit of 183 runs and with wickets falling regularly at the other end, Bethell showcased composure and maturity well beyond his years. His calm presence at the crease anchored England’s resistance in difficult circumstances.
With the knock, Bethell joined an elite list of England batters to have scored a century against Australia at a young age, including Johnny Briggs, Jack Hearne, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, Colin Cowdrey, David Gower, Mike Atherton, Alastair Cook, and Ben Stokes.
Bethell’s innings was also lauded for the context in which it came. He walked in at No. 3 after opener Zak Crawley was dismissed for one in the very first over by Mitchell Starc. He then put together a crucial 81-run partnership with Ben Duckett, who scored 42 off 55 balls, including six fours, and was dismissed by Michael Neser in the 20th over.
Earlier, Australia resumed Day 4 on an overnight score of 518/7 and added 49 runs before being bowled out for 567 in their first innings, securing a commanding 183-run lead over England’s total of 384 which they scored in the first inning.
At the end of Day 4 of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, England posted 302 runs for 8 wickets in their second innings.