• Jacob Bethell notched his maiden Test hundred in England's gritty second innings fightback on Day 4.

  • England at drinks of the last session lead by 36 runs against Australia on Day 4 of the Pink Ashes Test at SCG.

Ashes 2025-26: Fans celebrate in jubilation as Jacob Bethell brings up his maiden century in the SCG Test
Fans celebrate in jubilation as Jacob Bethell brings up his maiden century in the Pink Ashes Test against Australia (Image source: X)

Australia and England’s final clash of the Ashes 2025-26 at the Sydney Cricket Ground has been jolted into life by a stirring fightback led by Jacob Bethell’s maiden Test century on an emotionally charged Pink Test Day 4. Under grey skies and a sea of pink in support of the McGrath Foundation, the 20-year-old all-rounder produced an innings that has not only dragged England back into the contest but also announced a new batting force in Ashes cricket.​

Jacob Bethell’s maiden ton lights up Pink Ashes Test

Walking in with England still 98 runs behind and under immense scoreboard pressure after Australia’s imposing 567, Bethell began his second-innings vigil with a mixture of restraint and quiet intent. Early on he survived a searching new-ball burst from Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser, then settled into a rhythm through judicious drives and late cuts, bringing up his fifty from 87 deliveries with seven fours as England moved past three figures at a steady tempo.​

The defining passage came in the final session as the pitch began to slow and Australia rotated their seamers in search of the knockout blow. Bethell shrugged off a nasty earlier blow from a Cameron Green bouncer and, in a nod to his white-ball schooling, started to unfurl bolder strokes once the ball softened and the field pushed back. He moved into the 90s with a series of crisp punches through the off side and clipped singles with Harry Brook, yet lingered in the nervous nineties for several overs as the SCG crowd, tinged pink, grew increasingly invested in every defensive prod.​

On 99, after five agonising balls without finding the fence, the moment finally arrived in dramatic style. Dancing down the track to Beau Webster, Bethell launched his off-spinner high over wide long-on, the ball sailing to the rope to bring up his maiden Test century from 162 balls, studded with 13 fours. As his teammates rose on the balcony, cameras cut to his family in the stands, visibly emotional at a coming‑of‑age landmark forged against Australia in the cauldron of a live Ashes decider.

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Here’s how fans reacted:

England’s resistance against Australia sparks late Ashes twist

Australia seized a commanding 183-run advantage after posting 567, driven by Travis Head’s explosive 163, skipper Steven Smith’s assured 138, and Beau Webster’s unbeaten 71, highlighted by a crucial 100-run eighth-wicket alliance. England replied with 384 as Joe Root made 160, Brook 84, and Jamie Smith 46, before Michael Neser claimed 4/60, despite resistance from Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Ben Stokes, and Bethell bowling.

At drinks of the third seesion on Day 4, England edged ahead by 36, with Bethell unbeaten on 106 and scope for Stokes, Jamie, and others to build on. This defiant response in the Pink Ashes decider, amid pink stumps, caps and buzzing crowds, reignited English belief, turning the SCG into a tense theatre as Bethell’s innings drew cheers and hinted at promise despite the series deficit.

​Also WATCH: Cameron Green floors Jacob Bethell with a nasty bouncer on Day 4 of SCG Test

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Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .