Jacob Bethell struck a defiant century to steady England on a turbulent Day 4 of the fourth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Batting under pressure, Bethell scored 142 as England reached 302 for 8 in 75 overs at stumps, avoiding immediate defeat after conceding a massive first-innings deficit. His hundred came off 162 balls and included 13 boundaries, anchoring an innings repeatedly tested by pace, bounce, and relentless Australian pressure.

 

England began the second innings in difficulty after Australia were bowled out for 567, gaining a 183-run lead. The tourists lost opener Zak Crawley in the first over, trapped lbw by Mitchell Starc, with DRS confirming the on-field call. At 4 for 1, England were immediately on the defensive. Ben Duckett and Bethell then added stability through a measured partnership, taking the score to 80 for 1 by lunch. Duckett reached 40 before falling later, while Bethell continued to absorb pressure through the middle session.

 

Bethell brought up his fifty from 87 deliveries and grew in authority as wickets fell around him. Reviews, umpire’s calls, and rising deliveries disrupted England’s rhythm, but Bethell held firm. His century came during the second drinks break, pushing England past 200 and ensuring Australia were forced to bowl deep into the day. With attendance recorded at 42,864, Bethell’s innings became the defining resistance of England’s reply.

 

Read also: Jacob Bethell scores his maiden; becomes 7th English keeper to score an Ashes ton

 

Australia press despite Bethell resistance

 

Australia maintained control despite Bethell’s effort. Earlier, their first innings had been constructed through centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head, followed by a late surge from Beau Webster, who scored 71. England cleaned up the final three wickets for 49 runs, with Josh Tongue finishing with figures of 3 for 97.

 

Australia’s bowlers continued to apply pressure in the second innings. Cameron Green struck Bethell’s helmet with a sharp bouncer, resulting in a brief assessment and penalty runs when the ball later hit a helmet on the field. Harry Brook was dismissed following a successful review, and wickets fell steadily after tea. Despite Bethell’s stand of 100 runs for the fourth wicket, England slipped to 264 for 5 and later 302 for 8.

 

By stumps, Bethell remained unbeaten on 142, with England still trailing and Australia firmly dictating terms. The innings ensured England survived the day, but the match position remained heavily tilted towards the hosts.

 

End of Day 4- Fifth Test Ashes summary:

 

Team	Score	Overs	Batters at Close
Australia (1st innings)	567 all out	133.5 overs	Beau Webster, 71
England (2nd innings)	302/8	75.0 overs	Jacob Bethell 142* MJ Potts) 0*

 

England 2nd Innings – Session-wise Progress

 

Session	Score	Overs	Highlight
Start	4/1	0.5	Crawley lbw to Starc (DRS: Umpire’s Call)
Drinks	34/1	9.0	Duckett 17, Bethell 12
Lunch	80/1	17.0	Duckett 40, Bethell 28
Drinks	116/2	29.0	Bethell 55
Tea	174/3	41.0	Bethell 79, Brook 24
Drinks	219/4	51.1	Bethell 106
Drinks	264/5	64.0	Bethell 123
Stumps	302/8	75.0	Bethell 142*