SYDNEY, Jan 7, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - England youngster Jacob Bethell cracked a maiden century Wednesday in the fifth Ashes Test against Australia to cement himself as a star of the future. The 22-year-old powered to his hundred in style off 162 balls in Sydney, raising his bat towards his emotional family in the stands. Remarkably, it was not just a maiden Test ton but the only one he has scored in red-ball cricket, with his previous best 96 against New Zealand. His progress was then hampered by injury and Pope hitting form back at three. Bethell was recalled for the fourth Test in Melbourne to replace Pope, scoring a gritty 40 in difficult batting conditions with the number three position now his to lose.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 07, 2026 07:06 UTC