Day 4 of the decisive day 5th Ashes Test at the SCG, Australia took over the advantage England in a compelling encounter. Trailing by 183 runs after Australia’s commanding 567, England reached 290/7 in the second over and held on to a 107-run lead at stumps in the 3rd Session.
Jamie Smith’s expensive mix-up takes Australia to their wicket on Day 4
Jamie SmithAustralia’s 64.1 over turned into a comedy of errors. Marnus Labuschagne Smith hit a 26-ball 41 with three fours before hitting a short bouncer that failed to rise menacingly. Jacob Bethell pulled from the corner. Bethell hesitated, looked the ball over and left Smith stranded in the middle of the pitch.
Jake Weatheraldcame into the pitch sharply at square leg, came in, collected the ball that was left of him and fired a pinpoint shot over the stumps to Labuschagne, who whipped the bails with Smith well short of the ground. Dismissal, Smith out (Weatherald/Labuschagne), reducing England to 264/6. Commentators said that.crazy cricket,” emphasizes the funny nature amid the high stakes.
We present the video:
Jamie Smith is gone as Jake Weatherald runs wild!#Ash pic.twitter.com/dDmu1tbzZn
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 7, 2026
Also READ: Fans celebrate in jubilation as Jacob Bethell brings up his maiden century in an SCG Test
Australia took control in the last Test amid England’s collapse
The run resulted in an instant slip which turned Australia’s way firmly. At a steady 219 for 4, Bethell stood tall for 135 from 212 balls as England broke away quickly. Will Jacks fell for a duck, was taken back by Cameron Green with a stunning catch and minutes later Jamie departed as he was reduced to 264 for 6. Ben Stokes It didn’t last long either, skidding Beau Webster to just 1 on 267 for 7 Brydon Carse (not 11) dig alongside Bethell but failed.
Led by Webster’s impressive 3 for 43, Australia’s attack remained sharp and patient. Scott Boland‘s neat 1 30 and Michael Neser‘s squeezed 1 for 55. England added 50 runs for two wickets in the last 10 overs, but their lead continued to dwindle by at least 17 overs. England currently lead by 119 runs with 2 wickets left to set a fighting target.
Also WATCH: Cameron Green bowls Jacob Bethell with nasty bounce on Day 4 of SCG Test
