England has faced a hard Ashes series, but at the Sydney Cricket Ground a new chapter was opened as Jacob Bethell presented himself on the largest stage with a spectacular maiden Test century against Australia.

Batting on the fourth day of the last and fifth Ashes Test at the SCG, the 22-year-old left hander impressed with an innings that showed his patience, dynamism and incredible maturity. Coming in early when England lost Zak Crawley cheaply, Bethell found himself immediately under pressure. Yet, what happened next was a classic demonstration of hard work.

A coming-of-age knock on the grandest stage

Bethell hit his hundred with a beautiful four from Beau Webster, shimmying down the track and hitting the ball over mid-on as the crowd went wild. He marked the occasion by taking off his helmet, acknowledging the crowds, and pointing his bat to his family - a moment which could not have expressed better the feeling of the occasion. It is important to point out that this was not only his first Test century but also his first-ever first-class century, thus making the knock even more special.

Ex-players and spectators unanimously commended Bethell's character. Instead of going for milestones, he simply let the tension simmer; his on-field presence got tested by seven fiery balls at 99 before he finally passed the mark. After facing 162 balls, he reached the three figures with shots like clear drives, bold cuts, and sound decision-making against the top-notch Australian bowlers.

Watch the video:

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

ALSO SEE: Watch: Rohit Sharma offered vada pav by fan in net session as opener's reaction goes viral

In a contest wherein England quite frequently seemed to be at their wit's end, Bethell's straight drive was a signal of the new generation. Not only did it save England from the imminent danger of an innings defeat but also forced Australia to take on the challenge of batting in the next innings, thus, creating an interesting last chapter of the Test. For England, the Ashes may be gone, but at the SCG, a star was unmistakably born.

Maiden first-class hundreds by England players in Test cricket

England team head coach Brendon McCullum was unexpectedly at the focal point on Day 1 of the fifth and final test match of the Ashes series at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Cameras caught him cheekily checking the answers to a crossword puzzle in the dressing room, creating a lighthearted moment in an otherwise tense Test match.

The funny incident happened during the 39th over of England’s innings. After a shaky start that saw England lose three early wickets for 57 runs, Joe Root and Harry Brook were rebuilding the innings at the crease. Off the field, McCullum looked relaxed as he flipped through his crossword booklet before sneaking a look at the answer page.

Commentators were quick to notice the moment on live television and could not resist a joke. One quipped that McCullum should be careful about checking answers on national TV. The clip quickly spread on social media, with fans sharing memes and poking fun at the England coach in good spirit.

Rain Interrupts Play as Root and Brook Anchor England’s Innings

Finally, despite the early setbacks, England showed some control with the bat. Root and Brook looked calm and confident, dealing effortlessly with the Australian bowlers. At Tea, England managed to get 211/3, the pair stitching an undefeated 154-run partnership that gave the visitors much-needed stability.

Watch the video here

Brendon McCullum is looking for the answers while doing a crossword puzzle.😂😄

(🎥- 7Cricket) pic.twitter.com/VitDDR3Qo7

— Cricket Sangrah (@CricketSangrah) January 4, 2026

See Also: "Couldn't believe that..."- IPL coach reacts to Shubman Gill's snub from T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Just as England started to build momentum, the weather intervened. Poor light forced the umpires to monitor conditions late in the session, which led to an early Tea break at the ground. Soon after, rain arrived and play was stopped completely.

Although the grounds staff worked hard to get the game going again, conditions did not improve. No further play was possible after Tea, and Day 1 ended early. Even so, England will take confidence from the strong partnership, finding some solid answers on the field in a series where consistency has been hard to come by.

Australian batter Usman Khawaja is set to address the media on Friday morning in Sydney, just ahead of the fifth and final Ashes Test against England, with strong speculation surrounding his Test future. The press conference is scheduled for 8:15 AM local time, shortly before Australia’s training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and is expected to focus heavily on the rumours of his potential retirement.

Clarke hints at farewell as retirement talk grows louder

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the timing of Khawaja’s media interaction has raised eyebrows, especially with the Ashes already secured by Australia. While there has been no official word from the left-hander, the build-up suggests clarity on his Test future could be imminent.

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes the Sydney Test could mark the final chapter of Khawaja’s international career. Clarke feels the veteran has earned the right to step away on his own terms and hopes he can finish on a high at a venue that has brought him immense success. He added that not many cricketers get the opportunity to bow out with a big score in a marquee Ashes Test.

ALSO SEE: “Complete lottery in…”- Former England captain warns Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum ahead of 5th Ashes 2025/26 Test

SCG record offers Khawaja hope despite lean Ashes run

The ongoing Ashes series, however, has been a difficult one for batters. Two of the four Tests have ended inside two days, highlighting the challenging conditions. Khawaja has struggled for consistency, scoring 153 runs in five innings, with a top score of 82. He was dropped for the third Test in Adelaide but returned after Steve Smith was ruled out due to illness, producing a gritty knock that underlined his experience.

Despite the lean run, Khawaja’s record at the SCG offers hope. He averages an exceptional 87.50 at the ground, with four centuries, and has dominated England there in the past. As Australia prepare for the series finale starting January 4, all attention will be on Khawaja’s words on Friday, which could signal the end of a distinguished Test career.

England’s young batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell believes his brief but intense exposure to the Indian Premier League played a key role in helping him handle the pressure of an Ashes debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of the most intimidating venues in world cricket.

IPL experience proves crucial in preparing Bethell for Ashes debut pressure

The 22-year-old was drafted into England’s XI for the Boxing Day Test, replacing Ollie Pope at No.3, and responded with a composed knock of 40 as England chased down 175 to secure a memorable four-wicket win. The victory ended England’s long wait for a Test win in Australia and snapped an 18-match winless run Down Under.

Bethell admitted the occasion initially got to him, but said his stint with Indian Premier League helped him stay calm when it mattered most. Having featured in two matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during their title-winning 2025 campaign, Bethell said the atmosphere in India offered an unexpected rehearsal for the Ashes spotlight.

“I was pretty nervous - not so much with the people, just the occasion,” Bethell said. “But I’ve played in India where it feels like there’s 160,000 watching. Playing in front of 50,000 at the Chinnaswamy, which felt like 100,000, definitely gave me more confidence coming into this game.”

ALSO SEE: “Suryakumar Yadav used to message me…”- Bollywood actress gives bold statement ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Calm under pressure strengthens Bethell’s case as England’s long-term No.3

Walking out to bat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with England still needing over 100 runs, Bethell showed maturity beyond his years. His timely boundaries eased the pressure and steadied a chase that could easily have slipped away on a challenging surface.

While his first-innings dismissal was forgettable, Bethell’s second-innings contribution offered a glimpse of why England see him as a long-term option at No.3. He described the role as a “double-edged sword”, demanding both survival and intent, but one he is keen to make his own.

For now, Bethell isn’t chasing labels or guarantees. His focus is simple: contribute, learn, and stay in the XI. And if handling a roaring Chinnaswamy crowd helped him breathe easier in Melbourne, England may have the IPL to thank for a calm head on the Ashes stage.

The head coach of the Australian team, Andrew McDonald, did say that changes will be made but they would be very cautious and limited for the Sydney Test, which is the fifth and last one in the Ashes series, and the very fact that ICC World Test Championship points are influencing the team’s decision. McDonald, despite Australia having already won the series with a score of 3–1, clearly pointed out that they do not want to underestimate the SCG encounter.

The Australian team is going to the Sydney Cricket Ground with the intention to react properly after the MCG upset, a rare case in which England won in the Boxing Day Test by four wickets. There are still discussions about possible changes, but McDonald is already saying that to keep the team’s performance stable is the main point.

"WTC is something that we aim and strive for. Every Test match is vitally important," was the statement in which McDonald not only mentioned Australia’s aspirations in winning the Ashes in the short term but also their long-term goals.

ALSO SEE: VHT 2025-26: CSK uncapped bowler claims 7-wicket figure for Maharashtra ahead of IPL 2026

Khawaja probably going to Sydney as Australia think about Murphy and Webster

One thing that is certain is that Usman Khawaja will take part, with McDonald having absolutely denied the rumor about the veteran player hanging up his boots. Khawaja, who earlier in the series was suffering from back spasms, had a very good game in Adelaide scoring 82 and 40. The coach says there is “no indication” that Khawaja is contemplating retiring from his career, and the performances he has put in this year completely justify his selection.

Debates on selection are likely to happen in other areas. Todd Murphy the spinner is very much in the mix, and McDonald has indicated that the SCG surface could be in favor of a specialist spinner. Australia famously did not include one in Melbourne, a strategic move that McDonald acknowledged is not their first choice.

Another all-rounder Beau Webster is also a possible choice which could mean that Cameron Green would have to make way for him. McDonald referred to it as a “nice problem to have,” and he pointed out the depth of talent available. The fifth Test commences on January 4, with Australia intending to not only end the Ashes series on a winning note but also keep their ambitions for the WTC firmly on track.

The England team’s terrible Ashes 2025–26 performance has brought the coach Brendon McCullum into the limelight. There is a lot of speculation regarding the future of the much-discussed ‘Bazball’ playing style. The series was lost in just 11 days, and with the score at 0-3 and two Tests left, the team led by Ben Stokes has been completely outclassed in all areas by Australia.

Monty Panesar brings up Ravi Shastri as the one who can help England solve the Australian problem

Meanwhile, the dust has not settled yet, and the former England player Monty Panesar has put a rather surprising but at the same time very attractive name on the table: Ravi Shastri. During his conversation with journalist Ravi Bisht on YouTube, Panesar insisted that Shastri's acknowledged ability to defeat Australia was what made him a perfect choice to pull England out of their present predicament.

“You have to question who clearly knows how to beat Australia,” said Panesar. “What are the ways to mentally, physically, and tactically exploit their strengths? I think Ravi Shastri must be the next head coach of England.”

ALSO SEE: Watch: India's Women's World Cup 2025 winning team enjoys at The Great India Kapil Sharma Show as video goes viral

The credentials of Shastri are tough to overlook. He was the captain behind the two famous Test series wins in Australia during India’s heydays, 2018–19 and again in 2020–21, while he was the India head coach. The latter victory, which was attained in spite of injuries and the notorious 36 all out in Adelaide, has been described as one of India’s greatest overseas accomplishments.

Bazball is at a turning point as McCullum faces the consequence of the Ashes collapse

McCullum, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s choice in 2022, first made the Test team of England a different character. Together with Stokes, he took the team to 10 victories in their first 11 matches, bringing back faith and combativeness. But the victory has now turned to a draw. England has been unable to win high-profile series against Australia and India and has lost 16 of the last 33 Tests.

McCullum has, however, been criticized, and has still kept saying he is not the one to decide about his future. He is under contract until the 2027 ODI World Cup, and he keeps insisting he is still motivated, calling the England role “a pretty good gig.”

With the Ashes already lost and the pressure mounting, the ECB is faced with a crucial decision. The choice between continuing with the Bazball approach or seeking a tough tactician like Shastri could determine the course of England's red-ball cricket for many years.

England captain Ben Stokes has urged his side to “show a bit of dog” as they prepare for a must-win third Ashes Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, with the five-match series hanging delicately in the balance. Trailing 0-2 after heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane, England face a familiar yet daunting challenge, one that Stokes believes his team is mentally equipped to handle.

Drawing parallels with the 2023 Ashes in England, where his side bounced back from a similar deficit, Stokes insisted that the clarity of the task remains unchanged. “We’ve been in this position before,” he said on the eve of the Test. “Everyone knows what needs to happen. If anything, it makes things simpler and clearer.”

Rather than viewing the situation as pressure-filled, Stokes believes the deficit has sharpened England’s focus. He dismissed any suggestion that the players now owe him or the management a response for their backing, stressing trust over obligation. “These are the moments where the players you back are trusted to deliver,” he said. “I would never say you owe me. Go out, back yourself, and do what needs to be done.”

Watch the video:

If any team can do it, this team can.

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 16, 2025

Backing you to have a BIG week, JT! 👊🔥

Hear from Ben Stokes on our preparation, fight, belief, the Oval pitch and much more ahead of the 3rd Test 👇

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 16, 2025

ALSO SEE: 'I am forever grateful...' - Matheesha Pathirana pens down emotional goodbye post for CSK after joining KKR at IPL 2026 auction

Show a bit of dog Stokes challenges England ahead of Adelaide Test

Stokes pointed to England’s Lord’s Test win against India earlier this year as an example of how intensity and confrontation can spark a response. “That’s fight to me,” he explained. “Looking your opposition in the eye and showing a bit of dog gives you the best chance.”

England have made just one change for Adelaide, recalling Josh Tongue in place of Gus Atkinson, while sticking with Will Jacks as the spinning all-round option ahead of Shoaib Bashir. Despite questions around selection, Stokes made it clear that mindset matters more than personnel. 

“We’ve had proper, meaningful conversations,” he said. “All the talking is done now. What matters is what gets shown on the field.” With England winless in Australia for 15 years and the series on the line, Stokes’ message is clear: resilience, fight, and belief must now translate into performance.

The ongoing Ashes series took on a sombre tone after a tragic terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, prompting heartfelt messages from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Cricket Australia (CA) and leading figures from both teams. The incident, which Australian authorities described as a targeted terrorist attack, has cast a shadow over preparations for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide.

At least 15 people lost their lives and dozens were injured after two gunmen opened fire on a crowd gathered to mark the first night of Hanukkah. Police confirmed the situation was later neutralised, with one of the attackers among the dead. The tragedy has deeply affected the cricketing community, with players, officials and broadcasters expressing shock and grief.

Ahead of the make-or-break third Test, England’s tour was already under scrutiny following on-field struggles and heightened media attention. Tensions spilled over on Saturday when England’s security personnel were involved in an altercation with local media in Brisbane and Adelaide. Channel 7 released footage showing a security guard pushing a camera operator during routine filming in a public space, despite media adhering to Cricket Australia’s travel protocols. The broadcaster said it was taking the matter seriously, stressing staff safety.

We stand together. pic.twitter.com/Tp1EziHNlW

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 14, 2025

ALSO SEE: ICC announces Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month for November 2025

CA and ECB lead tributes after Bondi Beach tragedy

As the focus shifted from cricket to compassion, CA and ECB issued a joint statement condemning the Bondi Beach attack. “Everybody at Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board is horrified by the tragic events,” the statement read, extending condolences to the victims, their families and the Jewish community.

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, speaking ahead of the Adelaide Test, echoed those sentiments, saying the team’s “thoughts and prayers” were with everyone affected. Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who was in Bondi during the incident, also paid tribute to emergency services and civilians who showed bravery.

With Australia leading the Ashes 2-0, the third Test will begin under a cloud of grief, with tributes expected in Adelaide as cricket pauses to reflect on a tragedy that extends far beyond the boundary.

Australia have received a timely boost ahead of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, with both Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood returning to the nets in Sydney. The fast-bowling duo, who missed the opening Test in Perth due to injury, trained at Cricket Central while New South Wales were in Sheffield Shield action.

Cummins, recovering from a back issue, was seen bowling with the pink ball,an encouraging sign with the Brisbane Test set to be a day-night fixture. According to head coach Andrew McDonald, the Australian captain is nearing the end of his rehabilitation. He noted that Cummins’ intensity and pace in the nets suggested real progress, though the final hurdle remains proving he can withstand the significant workload required in Test cricket.

The two-day finish in Perth has given Australia an extended break before the second Test, which has strengthened Cummins’ chances of returning. With the schedule tightening after Brisbane, his availability would be a major lift for the hosts as they aim to build on their early advantage.

Hazlewood Eyes Adelaide as Australia’s Pace Bench Shows Impressive Depth

Hazlewood, meanwhile, bowled with the red ball as he works his way back from a hamstring strain. Although he is not expected to feature in Brisbane, his presence at training has provided optimism that he will be ready for the third Test in Adelaide. McDonald indicated that the team expects Hazlewood to play a part later in the series once his early rehab phase is complete.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Rishabh Pant smiling after missing easy chance to stump Tristan Stubbs on Day 4 of IND vs SA 2nd Test

Australia’s depth has also been highlighted by impressive domestic performances. Xavier Bartlett’s standout display for Queensland,taking 4 for 35 and scoring a career-best 72,has placed him firmly on the selectors’ radar, though Australia may not need reinforcements if their frontline quicks return as planned. Michael Neser, the spare pacer in Perth, remains another strong option, especially at his home ground in Brisbane.

Jhye Richardson is also edging closer to full fitness after shoulder surgery. He bowled 20 overs for the Cricket Australia XI against England Lions and is expected to feature for Australia A next week. With Cummins likely for the Gabba and Hazlewood targeting Adelaide, Australia’s pace stocks appear to be strengthening at the perfect time.

Travis Head has a reputation for changing the tempo of a match within a handful of overs. But on a fiery Perth surface in the opening Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series, he unleashed arguably the most destructive knock of his career. Facing a tricky target of 205 after Australia were rattled by Ben Stokes’ spell earlier in the match, Head walked out to open and simply tore England apart.

The left-hander smashed 123 runs from just 83 balls, peppering the boundaries with 16 fours and four sixes, and turned what could have been a tense chase into a statement victory. Australia romped home by eight wickets inside two days, a rare instance of Ashes carnage finishing before the weekend truly began.

Along the way, Head not only thrilled the Perth crowd but also rewrote several chapters of cricket’s record books. Here are the five milestone achievements from his unforgettable century.

1 Second-fastest century in Ashes history

Head needed only 69 balls to reach his hundred, placing him among the absolute best in 147 years of Ashes rivalry. The only name ahead of him? The legendary Adam Gilchrist, who smashed a 57-ball hundred at the very same venue back in 2006.

Gilchrist ended unbeaten on 102 from 59 deliveries that day, a knock that still lives in Ashes folklore. Head’s innings now joins that elite stratosphere, highlighting the modern Australian approach of fearless, counterattacking cricket when the pressure is on.

2 Fastest fourth-innings hundred in Test cricket

Chasing in Test matches is a mental test, the scoreboard pressure, fielders around the bat, every mistake magnified. But Head made the fourth innings look like a Saturday afternoon net session.

He broke a 122-year-old record, surpassing Gilbert Jessop, whose 76-ball hundred at The Oval in 1902 had stood untouched for generations. Head’s strike-first intent turned a competitive chase into a sprint and left England with no time to react or reset their plans.

3 Joint-fastest Test hundred by an opening batter

Head’s attacking instincts have transformed him into a dynamic Test opener. With his 69-ball ton, he now shares the fastest century by a Test opener with another Australian power-hitter: David Warner - 69 balls vs India, Perth, 2012

Warner went big in that innings with 180. Head matched the speed and nearly matched the punch, proof that Perth continues to be a playground for Aussie stroke makers.

ALSO SEE: Taijul Islam breaks Shakib Al Hasan's all-time Test record for Bangladesh

4 Highest strike rate ever in a successful Test run chase

Head played like he was chasing a T20 total, not one set by arch-rivals England in the Ashes. His 123 off 83 balls came at a staggering 148.19 strike rate, now the all-time highest while successfully chasing in Tests.

He overtook England’s Jonny Bairstow, who set the previous record with a 147.82 strike rate while hunting down 299 against New Zealand in 2022. This was pure domination, England bowled short, full, wide, straight… but nothing slowed him down.

5 Joint third-fastest century by an Australian in Test cricket

Australia has produced some of the most aggressive batters in Test history - Gilchrist, Warner, Hayden… and now Head comfortably sits among those giants.

Fastest hundreds by Australians in Tests:

1. Adam Gilchrist - 57 balls (2006 vs England)
2. JM Gregory - 67 balls (1921 vs South Africa)
3. Travis Head - 69 balls (2025 vs England)
   David Warner - 69 balls (2012 vs India)

For Head to be tied on that list shows just how much of a game-breaker he has become.

A knock that defines a modern Ashes era

This innings wasn’t just about records, it was a statement:

• England had sniffed a famous win after Stokes’ fiery spell
• The pitch was lively and the match finely poised
• Head turned pressure into fireworks

In less than 29 overs, Australia sealed an eight-wicket win in a Test that lasted barely two days, a rarity in Ashes history.

The Travis Head effect

Head has made a habit of producing match-turning centuries at high tempo, his Ashes hundred at Brisbane in 2021 being another example. But this one felt definitive, a declaration that in this rivalry, Australia have a new tone-setter. If this is how the series has begun, England’s bowlers could be in for a long, or perhaps very short, few weeks.