In a series dominated by Australian prowess, Jacob Bethell provided England fans with a beacon of hope during the 2025-26 Ashes. On day four of the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2026, the 22-year-old left-hander crafted an unbeaten 142—his maiden Test century—that extended England’s resistance and forced the match into a fifth day. Closing on 302-8 with a 119-run lead, Bethell’s innings offered a glimpse of emerging talent amid the tourists’ challenges.
A Masterclass Under Pressure
Bethell walked out in the first over, facing a daunting task on a pitch offering assistance to Australia’s bowlers. Yet he displayed extraordinary composure, particularly during a tense spell in the nineties where 29 balls passed without the landmark. Partner Harry Brook fell wafting at short balls, but Bethell remained unflappable—much to the relief of his father Graham watching anxiously from the stands.
The century finally arrived with a deft flick over mid-wicket for four off Beau Webster. Bethell’s knock blended defensive solidity around the stumps with elegant scoring strokes: timed back-foot punches, clips through leg, a glorious on-drive off Michael Neser, and a commanding pull against Cameron Green.
Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook, commentating for TNT Sports, hailed it as potentially unmatched among debut Ashes hundreds: “I’ve seen some hundreds but I don’t think I’ve seen many better debut hundreds than that.” Michael Vaughan echoed the sentiment on Test Match Special, describing a “technical masterclass” and “throwback” innings where Bethell respected good deliveries while punishing loose ones without overhits.
Roots in Resilience
Bethell attributed his ability to bat long to early experiences. Small in stature as a youngster in Barbados, he honed defensive skills before developing power in his mid-teens. Frequent short-pitched bowling—”chin music”—sharpened his back-foot play, evident in this innings.
Nerves were present but controlled, a marked improvement from his 96 against New Zealand in November 2024, where he nicked off chasing the milestone. “I was a little bit nervous, but nowhere near as nervous as in New Zealand when I forgot to watch the ball,” Bethell reflected.
Rapid Rise to the Elite Stage
Bethell’s journey exemplifies modern cricket pathways. An Under-19 standout after moving to England at 12 on a scholarship, he earned a surprise Test call-up in 2024 despite lacking a professional century. A white-ball hundred against South Africa in September 2025 preceded this breakthrough, making him the fifth Englishman to score a maiden first-class ton in Tests—and the seventh to do so in an Ashes match.
At 22, he ranks as the seventh youngest England batter to reach three figures against Australia. Cook, the only younger this century, sees Bethell as heralding “the future of England batting after Joe Root.”
Limited domestic exposure last summer—fewer balls faced than in this single innings—due to IPL commitments and international duties, intensified scrutiny. A struggling display against India sealed a temporary omission, but his Ashes inclusion paid dividends where Ollie Pope faltered.
Expert Views on Technique and Temperament
Analysts marvelled at Bethell’s simplicity. Cook praised four core shots—clip, pull, drive, cut—combined with “guts and determination.” Vaughan noted minimal trigger movements and excellent leave judgment, contrasting with more flamboyant “Bazball” approaches seen earlier in his career.
Steven Finn summarised: “A lot of observers knew he had it in him… Today we truly found out Jacob Bethell belongs on this stage.”
Statistical Highlights from the Innings
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Score | 142 not out (229 balls) |
| England’s Close | 302-8 (lead of 119) |
| Age at Century | 22 (7th youngest vs Australia for England) |
| Previous Best Test Score | 96 (vs New Zealand, 2024) |
| Maiden First-Class Century | Yes (5th Englishman to achieve in Tests) |
A Symbol of Renewal
Bethell’s peroxide flash and elegant strokeplay injected personality into a tough tour. His maturity—evident when captaining England in white-ball cricket as their youngest ever—shone through. Australian observers reportedly “purred” at his display, recognising a special talent.
As the Ashes concluded, Bethell’s century stood out amid disappointments. It affirmed England’s investment in youth and signalled a player “born to play international cricket.” With technique suited to all formats and temperament for the biggest stages, Jacob Bethell appears poised to anchor England’s batting line-up for years ahead.
