Jacob Bethell produced a standout maiden Test century to haul England back into contention on the fourth day of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, although a late batting collapse left the visitors eight wickets down with a slender 119-run advantage.
At the tender age of 22 and in only his sixth Test appearance, Bethell justified the selectors’ faith by remaining unbeaten on 142 at the close of play.
Australia had earlier racked up an imposing score of 567 to make it a 183-run first-innings lead for the hosts at a sunny SCG.
Bethell reflects on maiden ton
“It hasn’t really sunk in. It was pretty special,” Bethell admitted to TNT Sports.
“I am sure my family enjoyed it. I think my dad would have held off the beers for a couple of hours but can have a few tonight!
“I felt okay, to be honest. A bit nervous but nowhere near as nervous as when I was [on debut] in New Zealand, where I forgot to watch the ball and got out.
“Cricket is weird. When they bring the field up and you are on 99, you are like, ‘woah, what is the difference in one run?’ A massive difference.
“It was nice to get over the line. That will give me the world of confidence, especially as people will now stop talking about it!”
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Hussain praises an ‘exceptional’ innings
Former England captain Nasser Hussain praised Bethell’s efforts, telling Sky Sports: “It was the innings of a proper number three: it was calm, it was composed, technically sound.
“The composure for a 22-year-old was just exceptional.
“And it was a lovely moment, his first Test hundred and obviously his first Ashes hundred, with his mom and dad at the SCG – one of the great cricket grounds in the world.
“His mum had a big, beaming smile on her face and his dad was just trying to hold back the tears. It was just so special.”
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Carmela Calling 
Wendellyn Mateo