Ashes 2025-26: Jacob Bethell makes his maiden century in the fifth Test in Sydney

Jacob Bethell’s stunning first century gave England a silver lining from the Ashes but did not stop the tourists sliding towards defeat in the fifth Test against Australia.

The 22-year-old, playing in his sixth Test, announced himself as England’s third long-running player with a brilliant unbeaten 142 at the sunny Sydney Cricket Ground.

However, a late wicket on the fourth day left England 302-8 in their second innings, leading by only 119 at the end.

It will take a huge contribution from Bethell and tail, followed by a perfect bowling performance on the pitch, to prevent Australia finishing with a 4-1 win on the final day of the series on Thursday.

Without Bethel’s breakthrough batting, England would have been defeated on a fourth day that began with skipper Ben Stokes leaving the field with a right thigh injury.

England were still able to take the last three wickets of Australia’s first innings for 23 runs, including Steve Smith’s for 138. The hosts’ total of 567 gave them a lead of 183.

Bethel spent it in the stands 81 with Ben Duckett and 134 with Harry Brook – both of whom made 42.

But after Brook was underweight on review for a sharp break from Beau Webster, Will Jacks joined England’s list of batters to come off a ridiculous shot on this tour.

Jimmy Smith was run out in a combination at Bethel, a squirming Stokes rushed to slip and Braydon Carse edged the brilliant Scott Boland. Overall, England lost five wickets for 78 runs.

It left Matthew Potts with Bethell, who rose above England’s mediocrity to stay at the end. He enjoyed the raucous praise of the Barmy army as their new hero.