Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
📻 IMPORTANT AUCKLAND UPDATE 📻
Not comparable: Bethell opens up following maiden Test century
Nicholas Quinlan • January 8th, 2026 7:24 am
Jacob Bethell has admitted that the feeling of making his maiden Test century is yet to sink in following a strong performance with the bat.
Having had to come to the crease in the first over of England’s second innings, the 22-year-old showed experience beyond his years, having brought up a much-needed century in the space of 162 balls.
Bethell would continue through to stumps, which sees him on 142 not out and sees the visitors have a lead in the triple digits.
It also means that he has passed his predecessor in the No. 3 Ollie Pope and captain Ben Stokes for runs scored this series, despite playing in fewer Tests.
Reflecting on the emotions he was feeling following his display, the batting all-rounder was glad to have done so in front of his family.
“It’s not comparable really,” Bethell said post-match.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet; I haven’t really had time to reflect on it or anything like that.
“But to do that and have the family there was very special.”
While he has only played six Test matches so far, it wasn’t the first time that he had gotten near the milestone.
In just his second Test of his career, the Englishman made 96 against New Zealand in Wellington before edging a ball to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell.
This time around, he was calm and composed while on 99, having to wait three overs before he hit a lofted shot to bring up his maiden century.
But Bethell noted that he didn’t feel much pressure once the achievement was within reach but is hopeful that it will be the first of many.
“Not really, to be honest,” he added.
“It was always coming (but) it’s nice to get over the milestone, and it will give me a lot of confidence to keep doing it.”
Going to Day 5, Bethell will resume his innings alongside pace bowler Matthew Potts as England looks to extend their lead as far as possible.
With two wickets in hand and a lead of 119 runs, the visitors will be hopeful of setting Australia a competitive target, with Bethell hopeful of getting near the 200-run mark.
“Ideally, we would be a couple of wickets less,” he acknowledged.
“But 119 (runs) ahead, I think we have got a chance if we get up to 180, 190 potentially. That would be a good effort tomorrow.”
Day 5 of the Fifth and final Ashes Test will get underway from 10am AEDT, with Australia hoping to chase as little of a target as possible to help secure a 4-1 series victory.
And SEN will have you covered with live coverage of the Test match beginning from 8am with The New Ball before being followed into the pre-game show.
All of that can be heard on SEN’s radio network and on the SEN app.
