![Jacob Bethell slams his maiden Test century at the SCG [Source: @FernadoTin10172/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767805893038_Jacob_Bethell_SCG_Test_ton.jpg?type=hq)
Jacob Bethell slams his maiden Test century at the SCG [Source: @FernadoTin10172/X]
As the day almost came to a close over the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, Jacob Bethell raised his bat to a roaring crowd, as he etched his name into Ashes lore. The 22-year-old left-hander had notched his maiden Test century in the ongoing fifth Test against Australia on a wearing pitch in England’s second innings.
In a series where England's batting had crumbled under pressure, Jacob Bethell's innings injected hope, pulling his side back from the brink and setting up a thrilling finale.
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Jacob Bethell announces Test arrival with Ashes ton
Jacob Bethell earned his opportunity in this Ashes series amid intense scrutiny over England’s middle order. His inclusion came partly through circumstance, as Ollie Pope, England’s first-choice No. 3 for the series, endured an unfortunate tour.
Pope struggled against Australia’s pace attack, managing an average of just 20.83 across six innings. This paved the way for Jacob Bethell, the Warwickshire prodigy who had been knocking on the selectors’ door following his impressive white-ball breakthroughs.
Initially identified as a short-format specialist, Bethell’s selection was seen as a gamble by captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. However, their philosophy leaned heavily on Bethell’s energy, which reflects both aggressive intent and adaptability at the crease.
The rapid rise of Jacob Bethell
Jacob Bethell’s rise has been meteoric. Born in Barbados and raised in England, he honed his cricketing skills at Warwickshire. By 2021, he was captaining England’s Under-19 side and played a pivotal role in the World Cup quarter-final, smashing a blistering 88.
Bethell made his T20I debut for England later that summer, showcasing his attacking approach against Australia and his natural ability to accelerate through the innings with ease. His ODI debut followed soon after, and later he impressed with a fluent 110 against South Africa.
Can Jacob Bethell be a long-term Test prospect for England?
The signs of a long-term Test prospect are now clear. Bethell’s performance in the SCG Test highlighted his technical competence in red-ball cricket. A high elbow, compact defence against seam bowling, and confident play against spin on a turning SCG surface underlined his growing maturity.
He also boasts a healthy strike rate of 52.86 in first-class cricket, aligning seamlessly with the Bazball philosophy. This allows him to change gears without reckless shot selection.
Throughout the Ashes series, England’s Bazball approach has often backfired, marked by rash decisions, poor shot selection, and overly aggressive intent. Bethell’s method, however, has stood in contrast, offering a rare balance between control and flair.
The Bethell era in contention...
Moreover, Bethell could develop into a player similar to Australia’s Travis Head. A left-hander capable of dominating across formats with aggression and adaptability. For England, he could fill that role while easing the burden on senior players like Joe Root.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon and a packed international calendar ahead, England’s selectors may view Jacob Bethell as a bridge between eras.
Currently playing the final Ashes Test, this performance could further cement his reputation as a glimpse into England’s future. If he continues to build on this momentum, an all-format role may not be far away. Under the hazy Bazball era, the true Bethell era might just be dawning.
