In a stunning display of grit and talent, young England batter Jacob Bethell carved his name into Ashes history on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The 22-year-old left-hander scored his maiden Test century, becoming the youngest player from either side to achieve the feat in the iconic rivalry since the year 2006.
A Historic Knock Under Pressure
Promoted to the crucial number three position after Ollie Pope's prolonged run of poor form, Bethell seized his opportunity with both hands. He surpassed his previous highest score of 96, reaching his hundred in 162 deliveries. The landmark moment came with a powerful slog through wide long-on, sparking wild celebrations in the English camp.
At 22 years and 78 days, Bethell's innings was a record-breaking one. He is now the second youngest batter to score an Ashes century in the 21st century. The only player younger than him to do so was a former England captain, who made a ton in Perth back in 2006 at the age of 21 years and 357 days.
Ending England's No. 3 Drought
Bethell's century is significant for more than just his age. He has effectively ended a long-standing problem for England in this series. By stepping up at number three, he became the first English batter in that position to score an Ashes hundred in 14 years, since Jonathan Trott. Since 2001, only Michael Vaughan and Mark Butcher have managed this feat for England apart from Trott and now Bethell.
Drafted into the side for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne after Pope failed to register a fifty-plus score in six consecutive innings, Bethell had modest returns of 1 and 40. The Sydney Test was his fifth appearance at the number three spot, and he chose the grandest stage to announce his arrival.
The RCB Factor: IPL Experience Pays Off
Speaking after his crucial 40 in Melbourne, which helped England chase 175 for their first win in Australia in over 14 years, Bethell credited his brief stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for steeling his nerves. He played two games for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their title-winning 2025 season.
"I was pretty nervous. Not so much with the people, just the occasion, I guess," Bethell told ESPNcricinfo. "But I've played over in India where it feels like there's 160,000 people watching. This atmosphere was incredible... The IPL, I only played two games but every game and every occasion... Definitely, just knowing what I'm able to get out of myself when the situation is like that."
He specifically mentioned the electrifying atmosphere at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where he scored a brisk 55 off 33 balls against Chennai Super Kings, as a key learning experience. That exposure gave him the confidence to perform under the intense pressure of an Ashes series in Australia.
Bethell's century not only marks the arrival of a exciting new talent for England but also provides a much-needed solution to their top-order conundrum. His innings, forged from IPL experience and raw skill, has given English cricket fans a new hero and a glimpse into a promising future.
