Sydney, Jan. 7 -- Jacob Bethell announced his arrival on the biggest stage with a magnificent maiden Test century as England finished Day 4 of the fifth Ashes Test with a slender lead but vital advantage at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Bethell's composed and courageous hundred under pressure powered England to 302 for eight in their second innings at stumps, giving the visitors a lead of 119 runs after Australia's imposing first-innings total of 567 and England's reply of 384.
On a wearing surface offering uneven bounce and turn, the young left-hander stood tall, combining sound defence with confident strokeplay to keep England firmly in the contest.
England's innings began on a shaky note when Mitchell Starc struck in the opening over to ...