Ashes 2025: Emotional Scenes as Jacob Bethell Scores Maiden Test Hundred in Sydney

England’s young batting talent Jacob Bethell produced a defining moment of the 2025–26 Ashes series on Wednesday, scoring his maiden Test century on Day 4 of the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The milestone not only kept England alive in a tightly poised contest but also triggered deeply emotional scenes in the stands as Bethell’s father watched his son reach the landmark.

The 22-year-old left-hander brought up his hundred in the final session, reaching the three-figure mark with a crisp boundary. Television cameras quickly cut to the crowd, where his father, Graham Bethell, was seen visibly moved, wiping away tears and punching the air in celebration as England supporters rose to applaud the young batter’s achievement.

Bethell’s innings came at a crucial juncture in the match. England were under heavy pressure after conceding a substantial first-innings deficit of 187 runs. Their second innings began shakily, and the visitors slipped to 117 for 3 after losing Joe Root cheaply, raising fears of another collapse. In testing conditions against a relentless Australian attack, Bethell stood firm and showcased remarkable composure well beyond his years.

Batting with authority and restraint, Bethell stitched together a vital 102-run partnership with Harry Brook, stabilising the innings and shifting momentum back England’s way. Even as wickets fell around him, including the brief appearance of injured captain Ben Stokes, Bethell continued to absorb pressure and find scoring opportunities.

By stumps on Day 4, Bethell remained unbeaten on 142, guiding England to 302 for 8 and securing a slender but significant lead of 119 runs heading into the final day. His century came off 162 deliveries and was widely praised for its balance of technique, temperament, and controlled aggression.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan hailed the innings as a blueprint for England’s future in Test cricket, calling Bethell’s approach and clarity at the crease a sign of a “star being born” on the biggest stage.

Bethell’s journey to this moment has been swift and compelling. Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, he moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 12 and comes from a cricketing lineage, with his grandfather having played first-class cricket in the Caribbean. He rose through age-group cricket, earned a scholarship at Rugby School, and later established himself with Warwickshire before featuring in franchise leagues such as The Hundred and the Big Bash.

Remarkably, the Sydney hundred was not only Bethell’s maiden Test century but also his first in first-class cricket, underlining the significance of the occasion. The innings is already being viewed as a coming-of-age performance — one that highlighted his ability to handle hostile conditions, sustained pressure, and the mental demands of Test cricket.

As England head into the final day of the Ashes series, Bethell’s knock has ensured the contest remains alive. Regardless of the result, his emotional and technically assured century at Sydney is likely to be remembered as one of the defining individual moments of the series.