Jacob Bethells Century Gives England a 119-Run Lead on Day 4

On the fourth day of the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney, England’s batsman Jacob Bethell shone with a brilliant century, helping his side erase a precarious 183-run deficit against Australia. England ended the day’s play at 302 for 8 in their second innings, taking a 119-run lead to start the fifth day.

Continuing from the previous day, Australia began the fourth day at 518 for 7. Starting the day on 129, Steven Smith was dismissed for 138, and Australia lost their eighth wicket at 544. Meanwhile, Beck Webster remained unbeaten on 71. However, Stark fell for 5 and Boland for a duck, leaving Australia all out for a total of 567 runs.

For England, Josh Tong and Brydon Carse took 3 wickets each, while captain Ben Stokes claimed 2 wickets. Among the Australians, Webster was the most successful bowler with 3 wickets, and Scott Boland took 2.

Chasing a 183-run deficit, England began their second innings with Jacob Bethell at the crease. Bethell scored his maiden first-class century in this innings. He remained unbeaten on 142, guiding England to a strong position. The next highest score came from Harry Brook with 42, while no other batsmen made a significant contribution.

The fifth day will begin with Bethell and the yet-to-bat Matthew Potts. Bethell’s innings also set a record as the highest score by an England player under 22 years of age on Australian soil.