Australia Firmly in Control in Fifth Ashes Test, despite brilliant Bethell hundred

 


Australia are well placed to seal the fifth and final Test of the Ashes at Sydney, with a 4–1 series victory over England appearing imminent unless an extraordinary turn of events unfolds on the final day. At the end of the fourth day on Wednesday, England, batting in their second innings after conceding a 183-run first-innings deficit, reached 302 for 8 and now hold a slender lead of 119 runs. Adding to England’s worries was an injury scare to captain Ben Stokes.

Earlier in the day, Australia’s first innings came to a close at a commanding 567. Resuming on 129 not out, Steve Smith went on to compile a composed 138, anchoring the innings with his customary authority. He was well supported by Beau Webster, who remained unbeaten on 71 and held one end firmly till the end. Australia could have extended their advantage further had Mitchell Starc (5) or Scott Boland (0) offered Webster more resistance, but the missed opportunity did little to dent the hosts’ dominance.

For England, Josh Tongue was the most successful bowler with 3 wickets for 97 runs, while Brydon Carse also claimed 3 for 130. Ben Stokes picked up 2 wickets for 95, with Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell accounting for one wicket apiece.

Australia’s bowlers carried the pressure into England’s second innings as well. Apart from Jacob Bethell, England’s batting line-up struggled to withstand the relentless Australian attack. Batting at No. 3, Bethell played a superb, responsible knock and remained unbeaten on 142 off 232 deliveries, laced with 15 boundaries. He was accompanied at stumps by Matthew Potts, yet to open his account.

Some support came from Ben Duckett and Harry Brook, who scored 42 runs each, while Jamie Smith contributed 26. However, the rest of the line-up faltered badly. Zak Crawley (1), Joe Root (6), Will Jacks (0), Stokes (1) and Brydon Carse (16) failed to make an impact. For Australia, Beau Webster impressed with the ball as well, claiming 3 wickets for 51 runs. Scott Boland picked up 2 for 34, while Starc and Michael Neser chipped in with one wicket each.

England’s task has been made even more daunting by Stokes’ groin injury. The captain opened the bowling on Wednesday but began limping during his second over and prudently left the field after delivering the fourth ball. The discomfort was clearly visible as he walked back to the pavilion. An official statement from the England camp later said, “Ben Stokes is being assessed, and we will update on his condition in due course.” Though he came out to bat, Stokes was unable to score, and it is widely believed that he may not be able to bowl in Australia’s second innings, a development that would significantly weaken England’s already stretched bowling attack.

With Australia firmly in the driving seat, England face an uphill battle to prevent the hosts from clinching both the Test and the Ashes series in emphatic fashion.

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