The final chapter of a “bizarre” Ashes series is heading toward a fifth day at the SCG, but while the history books will record a maiden Test century for Jacob Bethell, they are also likely to record a convincing 4-1 series victory for Australia.
At stumps on Day 4, England sit at 302 for 8 in their second innings, holding a fragile lead of 119 runs. While the 22-year-old Bethell played the innings of his life to remain unbeaten on 142, the story of the day was the familiar collapse of the English middle order and an SCG pitch that has suddenly rediscovered its traditional, vicious turn.
Bethell’s Maiden Ton Offers Lone Resistance
In a series where England’s veterans have often struggled, it was the youth of Jacob Bethell that provided a glimmer of hope. His 142 off 229 balls* wasn’t just his first Test century; it was his first-ever century in first-class cricket. He played with a maturity far beyond his years, balancing aggressive cover drives with a steely defensive resolve.
When Bethell launched Beau Webster over long-on to reach triple figures, the emotions were clear. While he celebrated with focus, his father’s fist-pump in the stands captured the weight of the moment. However, Bethell’s brilliance was largely a solo act. Despite a century partnership with Harry Brook (42), the support evaporated as soon as Australia’s bowlers found their rhythm in the afternoon heat.
The game shifted dramatically when Beau Webster—the man of the moment—switched from seam to off-spin. Exploiting the “rampant turn” that delighted SCG traditionalists, Webster tore through the heart of England’s order. He trapped Brook lbw, dismissed a compromised Ben Stokes (who was struggling with an adductor injury) for just 2, and watched as Will Jacks holed out for a disastrous second-ball duck.
Australia Primed for a 4-1 Series Finish
Australia’s dominance began early in the day when they wrapped up their first innings for a massive 567 runs—the highest total of the series. Building a 183-run lead, the hosts put England under immediate pressure. Mitchell Starc continued his habit of early breakthroughs, trapping Zak Crawley lbw for just 1 in the very first over.
England’s “big guns” failed to fire when needed most. Joe Root, playing what is likely his final Test at the SCG, was pinned down by a relentless Scott Boland. Root’s 6 off 37 balls ended with a sharp delivery hitting the top of the bails, leaving England reeling. Even a calamitous run-out of Jamie Smith (26) added to the sense of a team fraying at the edges.
As we head into Day 5, the narrative is shifting toward a “fairytale finish” for Usman Khawaja, who may get one final chance to bat in his Test career if Australia require a small chase. For England, the mission is simple but near-impossible: Bethell needs to shepherd the tail to push the lead toward 200 to even stand a puncher’s chance. But with Webster (3-51) and Boland (2-34) firing, the curtains are closing fast on this Ashes tour.
