England and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Jacob Bethell’s family were seen overwhelmed with emotion as the left-hander registered his maiden Test hundred. The 22-year-old achieved the feat on Day 4 (Wednesday, January 7) of the fifth and final Ashes 2025–26 Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The landmark moment came on the third delivery of the 50th over in England’s second innings. Facing Beau Webster, Bethell stepped down the pitch to a flighted ball and lofted it cleanly over mid-wicket for a boundary to bring up the century. As he raised his bat to acknowledge the crowd, the broadcast captured heartfelt reactions from his family in the stands.
You can watch the video here:
A maiden Test century for Jacob Bethell! What a way to do it 🤩#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/lXSUViEVrR
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 7, 2026
Prior to the ongoing match, Bethell had featured in five Test matches for England, accumulating 312 runs across 10 innings at an average of 34.66 and a strike rate of 70.58. His tally included three half-centuries, with a highest score of 96, and he also picked up three wickets in four bowling innings.
Jacob Bethell Ton Powers England Past First-Innings Deficit In 5th Test
After choosing to bat first, England compiled 384 runs in their opening innings, driven by a masterful 160 from veteran Joe Root, who faced 242 deliveries. For Australia, Michael Neser was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 4/60. In reply, opener Travis Head starred for the home side with a scintillating 163 off 166 balls, smashing 24 boundaries and a six.
Captain Steve Smith also produced a commanding knock, scoring 138 from 220 balls, as Australia piled up 567 to secure a hefty 183-run advantage. England’s second innings began poorly with Zak Crawley dismissed for one, followed by Ben Duckett’s 42 and a modest six from Root.
Holding firm at the other end, Jacob Bethell anchored the innings and brought up his maiden Test hundred. At the time of writing, England were 233/5 after 57 overs, leading by 50 runs, with Bethell unbeaten on 110 and Jamie Smith on nine.
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