SYDNEY — In a series dominated by the hosts, a new star emerged at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Wednesday. 22-year-old Jacob Bethell produced a defiant, unbeaten 142 to steer England through a treacherous fourth day, leaving the fifth and final Ashes Test on a knife-edge heading into the final morning.
At the close of play on Day 4, England reached 302-8, holding a slender lead of 119 runs. While the tourists have managed to make Australia bat again, they face an uphill battle to save the match with only two wickets remaining.
The Rise of Jacob Bethell
Promoted into the side late in the series, Bethell showed maturity beyond his years. After the early loss of Zak Crawley and Joe Root (6), the youngster anchored the innings through crucial partnerships:
- 81 runs with Ben Duckett (42)
- 102 runs with Harry Brook (42)
Bethell’s maiden Test century was the undisputed highlight for the Barmy Army. He reached the milestone with a crunching boundary, ending the day on 142* (232 balls) and proving to be the “silver lining” in an otherwise difficult tour for England.
Australia’s Dominance and Webster’s Impact
Earlier in the day, Australia’s first innings concluded at a massive 567, fueled by centuries from Travis Head (163) and Steve Smith (138). The total gave Australia a first-innings lead of 183, putting them in the driver’s seat for a 4-1 series finish.
While the Aussie pace attack was relentless, it was the part-time off-spin of Beau Webster that broke England’s back in the second innings. Webster claimed 3-51, including the vital wickets of Harry Brook and Will Jacks in a single over, to derail England’s momentum just as they looked to build a substantial lead.
Injury Concerns for Ben Stokes
Adding to England’s woes, captain Ben Stokes appears to be a major doubt for the final day’s play. Stokes pulled up with a groin injury early in the first session and was seen moving gingerly throughout the day. He managed to bat, scoring just 1, but his ability to lead the bowling attack on Day 5 remains highly unlikely.
Match Situation: Day 5 Outlook
As the sun sets on Day 4, the math is simple:
- England: 384 & 302-8 (Bethell 142*, Potts 0*)
- Australia: 567
- Current Lead: England by 119 runs.
Australia will look to wrap up the tail quickly on Thursday morning to set up a modest chase. However, on a deteriorating SCG pitch that is starting to offer significant turn and bounce, a lead of 150-180 could turn this into a classic final-day thriller.
