All hail ‘player for the future’ Bethell after Ashes century

England’s Jacob Bethell called it “very special” after cracking a flawless maiden century during the fifth Ashes Test against Australia yesterday in front of his family. 

The 22-year-old powered to his hundred in style off 162 balls in Sydney, raising his bat toward his emotional family in the stands.

He was unbeaten on 142 at stumps, steering England to 302 for eight in their second innings and a 119-run lead on day four. 

"It’s pretty special, it’s not really sunk in yet. I haven’t really had time to reflect on it,” Bethell said. “But to do that and have the family there was very special.”

Over the past 50 years only Alastair Cook, David Gower and Ollie Pope were younger when they scored their first Test century for England.

Bethell made his Test bow against New Zealand in Christchurch in late 2024, crunching half-centuries in each of the three Tests during the series after incumbent number three Pope slid down the order to keep wicket. 

His progress was then hampered by injury and Pope hitting form back at three.

But Bethell was recalled for the fourth Test in Melbourne to replace Pope, scoring a gritty 40 in difficult batting conditions.

Asked if finally getting a first-class hundred was a weight off his shoulders, the confident Bethell replied: “Not really, to be honest, it was always coming. But it’s nice to get over the milestone.”

With England having already lost the series and looking to reset after the Ashes, Bethell was hailed as a player for the future.

"This was a coming of age,” former England captain Cook said. “Bethell affirmed what we already knew about his talent. He delivered on the big stage on a tough wicket, with the game on the line.”

Another former captain, Michael Vaughan, said: “His technique is incredible... Jacob Bethell has played in a way that Test match cricket has been played for many generations. It was a masterclass in technique and composure.” 

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE