Jacob Bethell kept England's chance of winning the Sydney Test alive by scoring a sensational hundred on Day 4. This was the left-hand batter's first century in the format as he made the most out of the opportunity handed to him in the series. The 22-year-old had been picked over Ollie Pope in the fourth Test held in Melbourne and was handed just his fifth cap in the format.
Bethell's phenomenal innings
Bethell came in to bat at No.3 after England lost Zak Crawley in the first over itself to Mitchell Starc. The left-hand batter first formed a robust 81-run stand alongside Ben Duckett before forming a 102-run partnership with Harry Brook. Bethell eventually went on to reach triple figures after playing 162 deliveries. He achieved the mark by hitting Beau Webster for a boundary in the 50th over of the innings.
While Bethell was celebrating his century, the camera suddenly shifted towards his father, who was sitting in the stands. He couldn't keep a control on his emotions seeing his son play a remarkable knock and looked to be on the verge of tears.
Bethell's heroic knock
Bethell proved to be England's lone warrior during the fourth day as he stuck to the crease while wickets kept on falling at the other end. He eventually went on to remain unbeaten on 142 as England wrapped up the day on 302/8. His batting partner Matthew Potts is yet to open his account after facing 10 deliveries and the two will be on the crease as Day 5 commences.
ALSO READ: Faf du Plessis scripts history, becomes first South African cricketer to achieve this T20 milestone
The visitors currently have a 119-run lead and will be hoping for Bethell to help them hand Australia a respectable target on the penultimate day. The Baggy Greens look to be in control of the match as their bowling attack has once again delivered. Webster has proven to be a surprise package and has picked up three scalps so far while Scott Boland has clinched two.