Jacob Bethell a name that will reverberate through the halls of English cricket for many years to come. On January 7, 2026, the 22-year-old prodigy didn’t just steer the sinking ship at the Sydney Cricket Ground; he announced himself as a world-class talent Maiden Test century against Australia. In a scenario that almost felt too perfect, that milestone at the SCG was not only his first international ton but also the first First-Class century of his professional career. While his baseball-adjacent aggression and clinical footwork left the Australian bowlers scrambling for answers, it was his family’s raw, unfiltered reaction in the stands that became the defining image of the 2025-26 Ashes.
James Bethel’s first Test ton at the SCG
Entering the high-pressure No.3 slot on Day 4, Bethell faced a tough task with England trailing significantly and their top order under fire. Since his debut, he has been celebrated as a generational talent New Zealandhe finally made good on that promise with shots of pure substance. The left-hander reached the magical three-figure mark with 162 deliveries and surpassed his previous personal best of 96 with a fearless drive that pierced the cover region. This century was particularly symbolic; before this knock, Bethell had scored nine first-class half-centuries without ever crossing the boundary. Doing so at the historic SCG during the ‘Pink Test’ ensured his name was added to the elite list of Englishmen who conquered Sydney.
Graham and Giselle Bethell’s reaction to their son Jacob’s centenary
While Jacob’s bat-raising was a study in youthful composure, the cameras quickly panned to a more emotional scene on the Member’s Stand. His parents, Graham and Giselle BethellHe was caught in a moment of pure, overwhelming joy, flying from Barbados to witness his son’s first Ashes tour. Gisele was seen clutching her hands in prayer before breaking down in tears as the ball hit the boundary, while Graham erupted in joyous celebration that won the hearts of the 40,000-strong crowd. The contrast between the high pressure of the Ashes and the simple, deep pride of a family watching their children reach the pinnacle of the sport became an instant viral sensation and evoked the human stories that underpin cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
We present the video:
Test century for Jacob Bethell! What a way to do it 🤩#Ash | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/lXSUViEVrR
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 7, 2026
Also WATCH: Cameron Green bowls Jacob Bethell with nasty bounce on Day 4 of SCG Test
