On Day four of the fifth Test match against Australia, England`s Jacob Bethell played an unbeaten knock of 142 runs off 232 deliveries. So far, his knock is laced with 15 boundaries.
Following the knock, the former England cricketer David Gower heaped praise on the 22-year-old batsman by labelling his batting display as “brilliant”.
“Bethell. Brilliant. Delighted. Nuff said!” Gower wrote on X.
Bethell. Brilliant. Delighted. Nuff said!
— David Gower (@David215Gower) January 7, 2026
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also shared a post in which he wrote, “A star has been born here at the SCG .. The tempo / Technique and class of Jacob Bethell today is the blueprint for England`s future Test batters”.
A star has been born here at the SCG .. The tempo / Technique and class of Jacob Bethel today is the blue print for Englands future Test batters .. #Ashes
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 7, 2026
With this, Bethell registered his maiden First-Class century. He also became the ninth English batsman to score a ton against the Aussies at the age of 22 or younger, according to ESPNcricinfo.
He joined the elite list, including Johnny Briggs, Young Jack Hearne, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, Colin Cowdrey, David Gower, Mike Atherton, Alastair Cook, and Ben Stokes. His fantastic century has helped England take a lead in their second innings.
ENG vs AUS 5th Test: Summary
The “Three Lions” will resume Day 5 with a lead of 119 runs. They have reached the score of 302 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 75 overs.
Earlier, England`s Joe Root registered 160 runs in 242 balls in the first innings. His knock included 15 boundaries. He then stitched a 94-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, who scored 46 off 76 balls along with seven boundaries as England went past the 350-run mark in the first innings. For Australia, speedsters Mitchell Starc (2/93), Michael Neser (4/60), and Scott Boland (2/85) were among the wicket takers.
On the other hand, Australia`s Travis Head and stand-in captain Steve Smith also smashed centuries each. Having played 166 balls, Head accumulated 163 runs, including 24 boundaries and a maximum. Smith also garnered 138 runs in 220 balls, with the help of 16 boundaries and a maximum.
Australia have already won the series as they have a lead of 3-1, but the “Three Lions” will look to play for the pride and conclude the contest on a high note.
(With ANI Inputs)
