Australia and Englandfinal clash of Ashes 2025-26 Sydney Cricket Ground came to life with a thrilling fightback led by him. Jacob Bethell‘s maiden Test century on an emotionally charged Pink Test Day 4. Under gray skies and pink seas in support of the McGrath Foundation, the 20-year-old all-rounder not only propelled England back into contention but heralded a new batting power in Ashes cricket.
Jacob Bethell’s girlish tones light up the Pink Ashes Test
With England still trailing by 98 runs and Australia’s 567 behind under huge scoreboard pressure, Bethell began his second-innings vigil with a mixture of composure and calm intent. Early on, he survived a new cannon blast in search Mitchell Starc and Michael Neserthen settled into a rhythm through judicious drives and late cuts and brought up his fifty from 87 deliveries with seven fours as England passed three figures at a steady pace.
The defining transition came in the final session when the pitch started to slow down and Australia rotated their bowlers in search of a knockout blow. Bethell shook off a bad shot from earlier Cameron Green in a nod to the bouncer and white-ball school, he began unleashing bolder strokes after the ball softened and the field pushed back. He hit a series of crisp punches into the 90s from the off side and cut singles. Harry Brookeseveral times stretched into the edgy 90s as the pink-painted SCG crowd increasingly invested in every defensive product.
On 99, after five agonizing balls without finding the fence, the moment finally arrived in dramatic fashion. Dancing on the road Beau WebsterBethell launched his off-spinner high on wide long-ten, the ball hurtling towards the ropes to bring up his maiden Test century, off 162 balls studded with 13 fours. As his teammates took to the balcony, cameras cut to his family in the stands, visibly emotional in a sign of maturity set against Australia in the cauldron of a live Ashes decider.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Youngest England players to score an Ashes century (Post World War II) 🏏
21y 258d – David Gower, Perth (WACA), 1978
21y 357d – Alastair Cook, Perth (WACA), 2006
22y 7d – Colin Cowdrey, Melbourne, 1954
22y 76d – Jacob Bethell, Sydney, 2026
22y 196d – Ben Stokes, Perth (WACA), 2013#Ash pic.twitter.com/2xl6wFWgLK— sports__life (@statecraft__) January 7, 2026
He is the 2nd innings man…
The first Test at the SCG is 100 madness
Jacob Bethell 🫡🔥#Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/cHMUayHKTI
— Asvanth (@asvanth1808) January 7, 2026
The man, Jacob Bethell’s father, literally cried at his maiden Test century at the SCG.
Every cricketer’s family waits for this moment. This moment shows pure joy, happiness, emotion and pride.
Star boy Jacob Bethel 🌟 pic.twitter.com/qCN3mmSozN
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) January 7, 2026
Test greats like Root have struggled for years to score a century in Australia, but Jacob Bethell needed just one series.
Star boy for a reason ❤️#Ashes2025 #AUSvsENG pic.twitter.com/gbaKpgvKq7
— Rinku Yadav (@yadavrinku2025) January 7, 2026
RCB blood Jacob Bethell smashed a century 🔥🔥
But the blood of Mumbai Indians will come out of the duck 🤣
Great young man, I hope you win more in the future❤️🤞#AUSvsENG #AUSvENG#Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/d6Sb29bhR4— Satya (@duary_satyajit) January 7, 2026
🚨 HUNDRED GIRL TEST FOR 22-YEAR-OLD JACOB BETHELL 🚨
– A superstar for England in all formats, a quality hundred when the team trailed by 183 runs.
Journey to greatness…!!!!pic.twitter.com/cKdSEu8mWt
— Sujeet Gupta (@sujeet_gupta45) January 7, 2026
A STAR IS BORN! 🌟🏴
Jacob Bethell hits his maiden Test century and see what that means!
Pure class, raw power and nerves of steel.
To do so with such flair proves that he is where he belongs. 💯✨
Many firsts for this young gun! 👏 pic.twitter.com/4Tz7BBgltZ
— Hemant Bhavsar (@hemantbhavsar86) January 7, 2026
Moments like this mean everything ❤️
A day that Jacob Bethell and his family will cherish forever! 🥹💯
📸: Jio Star #AUSvENG #JacobBethell #AshesSeries #Ash pic.twitter.com/8pYOZczuCk
— Jitendra Kumar (@jitendra60203698) January 7, 2026
Century for Jacob Bethell 💯 pic.twitter.com/FnIbdNf7Lq
— Dileep Balasiya (@DileepBalasia) January 7, 2026
Girl Test hundred for Jacob Bethell 💯✨#JacobBethell #Ash #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/2DhZwi6cjP
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 7, 2026
England’s resistance against Australia sparks a late Ashes twist
Australia took a commanding 183-run lead after posting a commanding 567 Head of Travisexplosive 163, capt Steven Smith‘s confident 138, and Beau Webster’s unbeaten 71, highlighted by a crucial 100-run eighth wicket partnership. England replied with 384 Joe Root made 160, Brook 84, and Jamie Smith 46, before Michael Neser Despite his resistance, he claimed 4/60 Brydon Carse, Josh Dil, Ben Stokesand Bethell bowling.
In the third over on Day 4, England lead by 36, with Bethell unbeaten on 106 and increasing opportunities for Stokes, Jamie and others. Amidst pink stumps, caps and a raucous crowd, this lackluster response that decided the Pink Ashes reignited English confidence, with Bethell’s innings receiving cheers and turning the SCG into a tense theatre, signaling promise despite the series deficit.
.Also WATCH: Cameron Green bowls Jacob Bethell with nasty bounce on Day 4 of SCG Test
