Ponting asks ‘how do you walk back into that dressing room?’ as Jacks slogs & departs for 2-ball duck

England all-rounder Will Jacks was dismissed for a golden duck, drawing sharp criticism from former Australia captain Ricky Ponting over his shot selection against Beau Webster. On Day 4 of the fifth Test where England batters were struggling to gain a foothold, Jacks threw his wicket away, attempting a slog leaving the team in misery.

During the 52nd over of England’s second innings, Webster turned off-spinner and dismissed Harry Brook on the very first ball of the over. Jacks misjudged a tossed up delivery from Webster. He went for the big shot and ended up getting caught at deep square leg where Cameron Green was stationed.

Ponting did not hold back in his criticism of Jacks’ blatant disregard for the match situation and wondered how would he walk back to the dressing room.

“Will Jacks, how do you walk back into that dressing room? You cannot be disappointed with yourself. It’s a rank slog. Second ball, bottom of the bat and it's a good catch in the deep,” Ponting said while commentating for Channel 7.

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Jacks' mistake costs England despite Bethell's brave display

England skipper Ben Stokes had already suffered a groin injury. Jacks was promoted up the order, ahead of wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith but he failed to live up to expectations. Especially with Jacob Bethell batting well on the other end.

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After Webster claimed two wickets in an over, England lost control. Jamie got run out after a terrible mix-up with Bethell whereas Stokes looked in discomfort and became Webster’s third victim of the day. England ended up losing eight wickets on Day 4. At the end of day’s play, they were 219/4 with Bethell unbeaten for 142. They visitors managed to take an 119-run lead with a day to go in the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2025-26.

Webster on taking Jacks' wicket

After an impressive outing as Australia’s spinner in the absence of seasoned Nathan Lyon, Webster returned with figures of three wickets for 51 in 13 overs. However, he did not expect Jacks to come charging at him that early in his innings.

“No, not that aggressive. I think I got a bit lucky there with the inside edge, like I said. But I got a bit of bite out of that rough and a couple of taps from Green. I had a couple after Green lining one in the first innings, and he's taken a stunner there. I loved batting here. I think it's a really nice place to bat,” Webster told the broadcaster.