Jacob Bethell becomes first specialist batter to achieve rare Test feat after maiden first-class century

England batter Jacob Bethell etched his name in the record books on Day 4 (Wednesday, January 7) of the fifth and final Test against Australia during the Ashes 2025-26. The young batter reached his maiden Test hundred in the second innings and also became the fifth cricketer in the elite list of England Test players.

Australia posted a total of 567 and took a 183-run first-innings lead on Wednesday morning. Fast bowler Josh Tongue removed key batters, including Steve Smith, who scored 138 runs. Beau Webster remained unbeaten on 71 in his first game of the ongoing series. Will Jacks finished the job by removing Scott Boland.

Jacob Bethell Hits Maiden Test Century in Ashes

During England’s second innings, Jacob Bethell produced the biggest moment of his young career by scoring his maiden Test century. He showed calmness and maturity under pressure, controlling the innings and looking secure throughout his time at the crease.

Bethell reached the milestone in style, smashing a boundary to bring up the hundred. He celebrated by raising his bat and helmet, soaking in the moment as the crowd responded with warm applause.

The innings carried extra meaning with his family watching from the stands, visibly emotional as he reached the landmark. Notably, this was his first Test hundred, achieved at an iconic venue during the prestigious Ashes series.

A maiden Test century for Jacob Bethell! What a way to do it 🤩#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/lXSUViEVrR

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 7, 2026

Jacob Bethell Becomes First Specialist Batter to Achieve Rare Test Feat

Jacob Bethell created history by scoring his first first-class hundred in a Test match. He is only the fifth England player to achieve this and the first specialist batter on the list. Before him, wicketkeepers Henry Wood and Jack Russell and bowlers Stuart Broad and Gus Atkinson did so.

Jacob Bethell is the fifth English player ever (and first specialist batter) to score his maiden first-class century in a Test.

Others:
Henry Wood v SA (1892) – WK
Jack Russell v AUS (1989) – WK
Stuart Broad v PAK (2010) – Bowler
Gus Atkinson v SL (2024) – Bowler

Other…

— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) January 7, 2026

Bethell also became the second youngest England batter this century to score an Ashes hundred, behind Alastair Cook. He also ended a long wait by becoming the first England No. 3 in 14 years to score a century in the Ashes.

Maiden first-class hundreds made by an England player in a Test match:

Mitchell Starc Strikes Early Before Jacob Bethell Fight

Australia struck early once again as Mitchell Starc removed Zak Crawley in the opening over, continuing his strong run in the series. England steadied themselves through a partnership between Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell.

While Bethell had a few nervous moments early, the pair added useful runs for the second wicket. Duckett survived a clear chance when Cameron Green dropped him in the slips.

However, Duckett did not make the most of his opportunity and lost his wicket to Michael Neser, chopping the ball onto his stumps for his best score of the series (42). Joe Root then failed to settle and fell LBW to Scott Boland.

Despite the setbacks, Bethell found support from Harry Brook. The duo added quick runs before tea, keeping England’s hopes alive heading into the break.

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