Bethell's elegant first Test century presses pause on Australia's Ashes party

"It was not just the digits next to Bethell's name, 142 not out from 232 balls, 15 fours, but the manner in which they came about. This was pure spun silk, elegance personified, all back-foot punches and pull shots struck with Swiss clock precision. Remarkably, it was also his maiden first-class century. No specialist England batter has ever achieved this feat in a Test match, just handful of wicketkeepers and bowlers."

"There was no reason why England should collapse to defeat on this sun-soaked fourth day but every reason to think they might anyway. Ground down by Australia over two months, starting their second innings 183 runs behind and with Ben Stokes injured first thing, they certainly looked ripe for it. And yet by the close, even with some more galling dismissals and a 4-1 series victory likely loading for Australia, England had reached 302 for eight and a lead of 119 runs."

Jacob Bethell, 22, scored 142 not out from 232 balls with 15 fours at the Sydney Cricket Ground, reaching his maiden first-class century. England began the second innings 183 runs behind and lost Ben Stokes to injury, yet by stumps reached 302 for eight, leading by 119. Bethell's innings combined elegant back-foot punches and precise pull shots and was 'pure spun silk'. His performance rescued a struggling touring side and offered a potential long-term solution at No.3 after a surprise debut in New Zealand and earlier selection omissions during 2025.

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