Ashes Test Day 4: Australia Tighten Grip at SCG Despite Jacob Bethell’s Gritty Century

Sydney: Ashes Test Day 4 Highlights: Despite a determined century from Jacob Bethell under mounting pressure, Australia ended Day 4 of the final Ashes Test in a dominant position, reducing England to 302 for 8 at stumps and maintaining a narrow but crucial 119-run lead at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

Australia began the day on 518 for 7 and added 49 runs before being bowled out for 567, securing a sizeable first-innings lead of 183 runs. The hosts’ bowlers then applied sustained pressure through the day to keep England on the back foot heading into the final day.

Ashes Test Day 4: Australia Build on First-Innings Advantage

The morning session saw Australia wrap up their innings quickly, setting England a demanding task. England’s reply suffered an early setback when opener Ben Duckett was dismissed by Michael Neser at the start of the second session.

England’s leading run-scorer of the series, Joe Root, looked uncomfortable at the crease and was sent back by Scott Boland in the 32nd over, denting the visitors’ hopes of a strong recovery.

Vice-captain Harry Brook and Bethell then steadied the innings with a positive 102-run partnership, taking England to 179 for 3 by tea and briefly shifting momentum.

Bethell Century Keeps England in the Contest

After the break, England resumed with renewed intent. Bethell reached his maiden Test century off 162 balls, displaying composure and attacking flair under pressure. His innings sparked fresh optimism in the England camp as he continued to find boundaries against a disciplined Australian attack.

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However, just as England looked set to mount a serious challenge, Australian all-rounder Beau Webster turned the game decisively in the hosts’ favour. He dismissed Brook for a brisk 42 off 48 balls and then removed Will Jacks for a duck, halting England’s momentum.

Bethell carried on with support from wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, adding 45 runs for the sixth wicket. Smith was dismissed in the 65th over after scoring 26 from 41 balls, further exposing England’s lower order.

Ashes Test Day 4: Australia Bowlers Strike Late Blows

England’s position deteriorated rapidly after captain Ben Stokes was dismissed, edging Webster to Steve Smith in the slips. New batter Brydon Carse showed brief resistance with three boundaries but was eventually removed by Boland in the 71st over.

England closed the day at 302 for 8, with Bethell unbeaten and standing as their final hope of pushing the total closer to Australia’s mark. The visitors will now rely on the 22-year-old to add substantial runs on the final day and possibly turn the contest.

For Australia, Webster led the bowling effort with figures of 3 for 51, while Boland picked up 2 for 34. Mitchell Starc claimed 1 for 61, and Neser finished with 1 for 55, keeping the hosts firmly in control heading into Day 5.