England’s bold selection call in the fifth and final Test of the 2025–26 Ashes paid rich dividends as Jacob Bethell justified his inclusion at No. 3 with a magnificent maiden Test century on Wednesday, January 7. Preferred ahead of the more experienced Ollie Pope, the 22-year-old left-hander repaid the team management’s faith with a composed and technically sound knock under pressure at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Bethell was thrown straight into the deep end when he walked out to bat in the very first over of England’s second innings. Mitchell Starc had just dismissed Zak Crawley on the fifth ball, leaving England in early trouble. From that moment, Bethell took control, showing remarkable calm and maturity well beyond his years as he anchored the innings from one end.
Highly rated within English cricket circles, Bethell showcased his class throughout Day 4. He brought up his maiden Test hundred off 162 balls, reaching the landmark with a crisp boundary off Beau Webster in the 50th over. His innings was a blend of patience and controlled aggression, highlighted by 13 well-timed fours that kept the scoreboard ticking while blunting Australia’s attack.
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As Bethell reached the three-figure mark, emotions spilled over in the stands. Cameras captured his father overcome with emotion, a moment that has since gone viral on social media and resonated with fans back home. It was a powerful reminder of the personal journeys behind international success.
A maiden Test century for Jacob Bethell! What a way to do it 🤩#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/lXSUViEVrR
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 7, 2026
Bethell also forged crucial partnerships that stabilised England’s innings. He added 81 runs for the second wicket with Ben Duckett, who contributed a brisk 42 off 55 balls, and later stitched together a vital 102-run stand for the fourth wicket with Harry Brook. Brook played positively for his 42 off 48 balls before being trapped lbw by Beau Webster.
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Meanwhile, Australia, led by stand-in captain Steve Smith, continued to make history in the series. On Tuesday, Smith surpassed Sir Don Bradman’s long-standing record for the most international runs against England, underlining his enduring dominance in Ashes contests.
