Beau Webster emerged as an unlikely match-winner for Australia on Day 4 of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, producing a decisive spell of spin bowling that swung momentum firmly in the hosts’ favour. Known primarily as a medium-pace bowling all-rounder, the Tasmanian surprised England by switching to spin on Wednesday (January 7) and finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 51.

Preferred over specialist spinner Todd Murphy in Australia’s playing XI, Webster justified the selection call in dramatic fashion. He opened his wicket account by trapping Harry Brook lbw on the very first ball of the 52nd over of England’s second innings. Just two deliveries later, he struck again as Will Jacks attempted an ambitious big hit, only to find Cameron Green in the deep, departing for a two-ball duck.

With England suddenly wobbling, Webster continued with his part-time spin and soon claimed the prized wicket of Ben Stokes. The England captain, batting at No. 8, managed just a single run before edging to Steve Smith in the slips, underlining how effective Webster’s control and subtle variations had become.

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“I certainly didn’t think I would impact the game with spin,” Beau Webster admitted after the day’s play. “That’s the way it goes sometimes.”

Beau Webster heater alert 🚨#Ashes pic.twitter.com/CXBQutNgbR

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 7, 2026

Australia opted against playing a specialist spinner, but Webster explained that the pitch had started to offer assistance. Wear and tear created by Mitchell Starc’s footmarks allowed the ball to grip and turn, a factor he was quick to exploit. “I was just trying to bowl my best ball. I don’t bowl spin a hell of a lot, but the conditions helped,” he added.

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Despite Webster’s crucial intervention, England found resistance through 22-year-old Jacob Bethell, who continued his outstanding debut Ashes series with a maiden Test century. Bethell anchored the innings after early setbacks, including the quick dismissals of Zak Crawley and Joe Root, and reached his hundred in 162 balls.

By stumps on Day 4, England were 302 for 8, holding a slender 119-run lead. Bethell remained unbeaten on a commanding 142, with Matthew Potts yet to score, setting up a tense final day in a Test match finely poised on a knife-edge.