SYDNEY:Jacob Bethell struck his maiden Test century to spearhead a stubborn England rearguard on the fourth day of the fifth Test on Wednesday, but Australia remained firmly on course for victory and a 4-1 series triumph.
Anchored by Bethell’s unbeaten 142, England closed on 302 for eight, holding a modest lead of 119 runs after conceding a towering Australian first-innings total of 567.
England’s hopes of stretching the match may be complicated by a fitness concern for captain Ben Stokes, who pulled up with a groin issue in the opening hour of play and looked unlikely to bowl again. “He’s moving pretty gingerly, so I don’t think that bodes too well for him bowling tomorrow,” Bethell said.
The 22-year-old continued his impressive start to Test cricket after replacing Ollie Pope in the fourth Test, producing a composed innings built around key partnerships — 81 with Ben Duckett, 102 with Harry Brook and 45 with Jamie Smith.
Playing just his sixth Test, Bethell nervously navigated a brief spell on 99 before reaching his milestone with a boundary. “It’s pretty special. It’s not really sunk in yet,” he said.
With Australia still favourites on a good pitch, Bethell added that England would need to extend their advantage. “Ideally we’d be a couple of wickets less, but 119 ahead — if we can get it up to 180-190, I think we’ve got a chance tomorrow.”
