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Bethell's Ton Not Enough as Australia Dominate Day 4 of Ashes Finale

Australia seized control on Day 4 of the final Ashes Test, reducing England to 302/8 and holding a 119-run lead. Jacob Bethell's resilient maiden Test century, a 162-ball effort, provided England's main resistance. However, Beau Webster's crucial three-wicket haul, including the dismissals of Harry Brook and Ben Stokes, shifted momentum back to the hosts. England will now rely on Bethell to extend their lead on the final day.

Key Points: Ashes Day 4: Australia in Control Despite Bethell Century

  • Jacob Bethell scores fighting maiden Test ton
  • Australia bowl England out for 302/8
  • Hosts hold a 119-run lead at stumps
  • Beau Webster's 3-wicket haul shifts momentum
2 min read

Ashes: Australia take control on Day 4 despite Bethell's ton

Australia take command in final Ashes Test. England 302/8, lead by 119. Jacob Bethell scores maiden Test century but hosts hold advantage.

"The visitors now hope the 22-year-old can add more runs and push toward a double century. - Match Report"

Sydney, Jan 7

Despite Jacob Bethell's fighting knock under pressure, Australia finished Day 4 of the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in a commanding position, as the hosts reduced England to 302/8 at stumps, holding a narrow 119-run lead here at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

Australia started the day at 518/7 and added 49 runs to their overnight total before being bowled out for 567, taking a 183-run first-innings lead.

England's second innings got off to a poor start as opener Zak Crawley was out in the very first over. Nonetheless, Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett stabilised the innings and took England to lunch at 80 for 1.

The second session opened with Duckett's wicket off a delivery from Michael Neser. Joe Root, England's top scorer in the series, appeared unsettled and was dismissed by Scott Boland in the 32nd over.

Vice-captain Harry Brook and Bethell then maintained England's effort with a 102-run partnership, reaching 179 for 3 at tea. After the break, they resumed batting confidently, with Bethell scoring his maiden Test century off 162 balls.

Just as optimism grew for Ben Stokes' team, all-rounder Beau Webster shifted the game's momentum. He dismissed Harry Brook, who made 42 from 48 balls, and subsequently removed Will Jacks for a duck.

Bethell continued to build his innings, adding a 45-run stand with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who was out in the 65th over after making 26 off 41 balls.

England's challenge worsened after captain Ben Stokes was out, soon followed by Jacks. Stokes edged Beau Webster's ball to Steve Smith in the 66th over.

New batsman Brydon Carse started well, hitting three boundaries, but was eventually dismissed by Scott Boland in the 71st over. England closed the day on 302 for 8, with Bethell remaining as their key batsman. The visitors now hope the 22-year-old can add more runs and push toward a double century.

For Australia, Beau Webster took 3 for 51, Scott Boland claimed 2 for 34, Mitchell Starc took 1 for 61, and Michael Neser finished with 1 for 55.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
As an Indian cricket fan watching, this is classic Ashes drama! But honestly, the quality of batting from both sides hasn't been great this series. Our Indian batsmen would have handled this pitch better. Still, credit to Bethell for his century under pressure.
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Aman W
Australia's bowling attack is so relentless. Even without their biggest stars firing today, someone like Webster steps up. That's the mark of a champion side. England need a miracle now.
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Sarah B
Watching from the UK, but have lived in Mumbai for 5 years. The SCG looks beautiful on TV! Bethell's innings was gutsy, but England's middle order let him down badly. Stokes' dismissal was the turning point.
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Vikram M
The match is nicely poised for a final day finish! If Bethell can bat for a session tomorrow and England get a lead of 250+, they have a slight chance. But Australia are clear favourites. Great test cricket! 🏏
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the article focuses too much on individual milestones. The real story is Australia's dominance across all four days. Their first innings total of 567 was the match-winner. England have been playing catch-up since.

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