Silence descended on the Sydney Cricket Ground on Day 4 of the fifth Ashes Test Englandfeeling young Jacob Bethellthe Australian all-rounder was knocked down by a vicious bounce Cameron Green.
In a series that has seen its fair share of drama, the morning session of the Pink Test provided perhaps the most heartwarming moment yet. As England battled to save the match, the standoff between the powerful Green and the 22-year-old English all-rounder turned hostile, reminding everyone of the brutal physical reality of Test cricket.
Cameron Green hits a breakaway jumper to Jacob Bethell
The incident happened in the 45th over of England’s second innings. Steaming from Paddington End, Green bent his back to take a steep bounce off the deteriorating day 4 surface.
The delivery was pitched sharply up the body towards Bethell’s helmet. The young left-hander, one of the few bright lights for England this tour, tried to get off the line but was beaten by the 6-foot-6 Australian’s superior pace and height.
The ball smashed into the side of Bethell’s helmet with a painful crunch, the force of the impact knocking him off his feet and onto the SCG turf.
We present the video:
Oh, that’s a bad thing! Jacob Bethel was shocked by this piece from Cameron Greene. #Ash pic.twitter.com/pyuM3iaA5m
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 7, 2026
Bethell continues to fight for England
The incident added a fierce layer to the already crawling race. England started Day 4 with a massive 183 runs after Australia posted a mammoth 567 in their first innings, supported by centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head.
Bethell carries the batting weight on his shoulders at number three. His battle with Green and Mitchell Starc shaping up to be the defining contest of the day. They reached 186/3 and gave Australia a 3-run lead, Bethell not out on 87.
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