Australia remain in-charge despite Jacob Bethell's 142, England lead by 119 runs heading into Day 5

Jacob Bethell proved to be England's lone warrior as they managed to take a 119-run lead on Day 4 of Sydney Test. However, Australia still remain in control of the game as they have already racked up eight wickets and need to take just two more in quick succession in order to set up a small target to chase on the final day.

Australia post humongous first-inning total

The day began with Australia on 518/7 and the duo of Steve Smith and Beau Webster on the crease. Though both the batters were in great touch on Day 3, England didn't have to wait for long to get their first wicket of the day as Josh Tongue dismissed Smith for 138 runs. The pacer bowled a stellar opening spell and soon got rid of Mitchell Starc as well for just five runs. Webster played a fighting knock of 71, but batters from the other end failed to preserve their wickets as Scott Boland departed for a golden duck to Will Jacks as the Aussies got bowled out for 567 runs.

In reply, England had a dismal start to their innings and lost Zak Crawley for just one run in the first over to Starc. But, a strong partnership between Ben Duckett and Bethell ensued and provided the team with a lot of stability. The duo maintained a decent run-rate and formed a valiant 81-run stand, however Duckett once again failed to score big and lost his wicket for 42 runs to Michael Neser.

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While Bethell continued to bat brilliantly from one end, he didn't get much support from the other as Joe Root got dismissed by Boland for just six runs. It was the partnership between Bethell and Harry Brook that got the visitors back on track. The duo toiled with the Australian bowlers on the flat SCG track. Bethell went on to bring up his maiden Test hundred as England crossed the 200-run mark. 

Webster's magical spell sinks England

The side looked to be in control when Webster bowled a magical over that saw hiom dismiss both Brook and Jacks. The match turned in a span of just three deliveries as England went down to 219/5. Bethell tried to stitch a stand with Jamie Smith, but the latter unfortunately lost his wicket for 26 runs due to a silly run-out. Webster then provided the hosts with the massive wicket of Ben Stokes for just one run as Australia gained control once again.

Boland soon came back into the attack and dismissed Brydon Carse for 16 runs as England went down to 297/8. While wickets kept on falling from the other end, Bethell ensured that he stuck to the crease and finished the day unbeaten on 142 runs. His batting partner Matthew Potts is yet to open his account and now England will be relying on them two and Tongue to save the match for them on the fifth and final day in Sydney.