The Ashes may be lost. The series scoreline is ugly. But on Day 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, English fans finally found something to smile about. Amid the ruins of another tough tour, a 22-year-old with a flash of peroxide hair and a technique of steel announced himself to the world.
Jacob Bethell didn't just score a century; he crafted a masterpiece. His unbeaten 142 was a throwback—a rejection of "Bazball" recklessness in favor of timeless Test match virtues.
"Born to Play International Cricket"
That was the verdict from the commentary box as Bethell drove, cut, and pulled the Australian attack with the composure of a 100-test veteran. While his teammates have often perished playing too many shots, Bethell played the ball on its merit.
"I've seen some hundreds, but I don't think I've seen many better debut-style hundreds than that," said former England captain Sir Alastair Cook. "It was a technical masterclass."
A star in the making. (Photo: Sky Sports)
Forged in Barbados
Where did this maturity come from? Bethell points to his childhood in the Caribbean. Growing up on the bouncy tracks of Barbados, he learned early on how to handle pace and bounce—the very "chin music" that often undoes touring batters in Australia.
"I only became able to hit boundaries and sixes when I was 15 or 16," Bethell explained. "So I got that ability to bat a long time when I was younger."
The "Old School" Antidote
In an era obsessed with strike rates, Bethell's innings was a lesson in patience. He defended the danger area. He left the ball well. He punched off the back foot. It stood in stark contrast to the struggles of players like Ollie Pope, whose frenetic approach yielded little in this series.
The past and future of England's batting lineup. (Photo: Sky Sports)
A Silver Lining
England will leave Australia with plenty of regrets, but in Jacob Bethell, they have found a gem. As the team looks to rebuild, this innings will be the foundation stone.