Sydney, Jan. 7 -- Jacob Bethell announced himself on the biggest stage by scoring his maiden Test century at No. 3 for England against Australia during the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The 22-year-old produced a superb unbeaten 142 on day four, helping England take a slender lead of 119 runs with two wickets still in hand in their second innings and keeping their hopes of a series-ending victory alive.

Batting in a pressure situation, Bethell displayed remarkable maturity and control, drawing widespread praise from former England cricketers and experts. Former England captain Nasser Hussain described the knock as a defining moment in the young batter's career.

"This is where he came of age. It was the innings of a pro...