The long, gruelling journey of England’s “hellish Ashes” tour finally reached its last chapter, and on Day 4 of the fifth Test, young Jacob Bethell wrote himself into cricket history. With nerves of steel and a cool head, Jacob Bethell’s first Test century on Australian soil, not just a personal triumph but a highlight of England’s campaign. Fans, family, and teammates alike watched in awe as the 22-year-old’s maiden ton lit up the SCG.

Jacob Bethell in Ashes：Battling Through the Innings

Stepping in at No. 3 after Ollie Pope’s struggles, it turned to Jacob Bethell in Ashes 2025/26 and he had big shoes to fill. The Aussie attack was relentless, with Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland testing every batter. Bethell had a few wobbles early, but found rhythm alongside Ben Duckett, and later, Harry Brook.

A maiden Test century for Jacob Bethell! What a way to do it 🤩#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/lXSUViEVrR

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 7, 2026

His shot selection was calm, measured, yet full of flair, a stylish cover drive here, a lofted glance there, and before long, he reached 100 in 162 balls. The crowd erupted as he raised his bat and helmet, soaking in the ovation.

SMASHED TO THE FENCE! 🤩

A FIRST TEST CENTURY FOR JACOB BETHELL!! 💯 pic.twitter.com/dh2cYYkvxE

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 7, 2026

Alongside Bethell, England saw some crucial contributions: Duckett added 42, Beau Webster hit a gutsy 71 on debut, and Josh Tongue ripped through the Aussie lineup at key moments. But it was Bethell who stole the show, turning pressure into poetry. The 5th Ashes match highlights will forever include this innings.

Why Jacob Bethell’s First Test Century Matters?

Scoring your first Test hundred in an Ashes series is no small feat, and Bethell’s ton was particularly special. Not only did he become the second youngest England batter in the 21st century to reach triple figures in this rivalry, but he also joined an elite list of England players to score a maiden first-class hundred in a Test:

Bethell is the first specialist batter to achieve this in over three decades, and the first England No. 3 to hit a ton in 14 years. Jacob Bethell’s first Test century wasn’t just about personal glory; it hinted at England’s next generation, a young talent ready to shoulder the hopes of a team seeking stability in the middle order.

The 5th Ashes Match Highlights

Australia had piled on 567 in their first innings, taking a 183-run lead. Early wickets fell, but Bethell steadied England with poise. Partnerships with Duckett and Brook were key, and his calculated aggression allowed England to claw back into the match. These 5th Ashes match highlights are as much about composure and class as they are about runs on the board.

Closing Thoughts on England’s Ashes Tour

It hasn’t been an easy tour. England had their fair share of heartbreaks and humiliations, but Jacob Bethell in Ashes offered a glimpse of hope. Amid losses and disappointments, this young left-hander gave the Barmy Army something to cheer for—a promise that the future could be bright. His innings wasn’t flashy for the sake of it; it was grounded, smart, and full of respect for the game. As England fans reflect on a tough series down under, Bethell’s Jacob Bethell’s first Test century is a reason to smile, a shining note in a challenging tour, and a glimpse of what’s next for English cricket.

Jacob Bethell’s maiden List A and first-class hundreds have both come on the international stage 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/Fm90gqqcHh

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 7, 2026

From a kid thrown into the deep end, to a young man claiming his place in history, this century was more than just numbers; it was a statement. For anyone keeping score, the 5th Ashes match highlights will forever be synonymous with Bethell’s rise, a defining chapter in both his career and England’s Ashes legacy.