The Ashes: Despite Jacob Bethell’s Century, England Struggles; Captain Ben Stokes Injured

Australia vs England: England faces a difficult situation in the final Test of the Ashes series against Australia. Thanks to a brilliant century from young Jacob Bethell, the team managed a 119-run lead in their second innings, but eight wickets have already fallen.

England Holds a 119-Run Lead in Second Innings
Sydney: England is under pressure in the final Test of the Ashes series, with defeat looming large. On Day 4, young batsman Jacob Bethell scored a century, helping England secure a lead in the second innings. Despite this, the team’s troubles continued. By the end of Day 4, England was 302 for 8 in the second innings, with Bethell unbeaten on 142 and Matthew Potts on 0. The team currently holds a 119-run lead.

England captain Ben Stokes was injured during the first session of Day 4, suffering a muscle strain in his leg.

Bethell’s Maiden Test Century
The pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground has been batting-friendly, yet England struggled in the second innings. Mitchell Starc dismissed Jack Crawley in the very first over. Batting at number three, Jacob Bethell played a masterful innings of 142* off 232 balls, hitting 15 fours. He shared an 81-run second-wicket partnership with Ben Duckett (42) and a 102-run partnership with vice-captain Harry Brook, who scored 46 before being dismissed.

At one point, England was 219 for 3 when Australia staged a comeback, thanks to Beau Webster. Webster took the wickets of Harry Brook and Will Jacks in the same over, while Jimmy Smith was run out for 26. Ben Stokes came in at number eight but managed only 1 run. Beau Webster finished with three wickets, while Scott Boland picked up two.

Australia Posts 567 in First Innings
Earlier, Australia began the day at 518/7. Beau Webster quickly reached his fifth Test fifty, and Steve Smith scored a commanding 138 before being dismissed. Lower-order contributions were limited, and Australia’s innings ended at 567, with Webster unbeaten on 71 off 87 balls. Australia had secured a 183-run lead after the first innings.