Australia vs England: Day Five highlights from the SCG
A Morning in Sydney
Australia went into the final day of the Fifth Test at the SCG in control. They posted 567 in their first innings, with Steve Smith unbeaten on 138 and Beau Webster steadying the tail with 71 not out.
England replied with 384, leaving Australia with a first-innings lead of 183 runs.
England after Lunch
Chasing 567 to win, England began under immediate pressure. Mitchell Starc struck in the first over, trapping Zak Crawley LBW as England slipped to 11–1.
Ben Duckett followed for 42, and Joe Root fell for 6, leaving England in a precarious position.
Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell then steadied the innings.
Brook played selectively, occasionally attacking, while Bethell anchored the innings with calm technique and clear focus.
By 47 overs, England were 3–205, leading by 23 runs, with the partnership between Brook and Bethell at 89 runs. Bethell was on 99 not out.
The bounce of the Sydney track tested England’s batsmen, with variable pace and seam movement requiring patience and concentration.
Brook briefly took a strike, allowing Bethell a pause before resuming his march toward his first Test century.
Bethell’s Maiden Century
Jacob Bethell reached his first-ever Test century with a straight six off Beau Webster, taking England to 3–212, a lead of 30 runs, and extending the partnership with Brook to 95 runs.
His innings displayed remarkable timing, technical skill, and composure under pressure—a landmark moment for the 22-year-old.
Late Afternoon and Stumps
As the innings progressed, Harry Brook was dismissed for 42, and the lower order added crucial runs.
Will Jacks fell for 0, Jamie Smith was run out for 24, and Ben Stokes made 1.
By stumps, England were 302–8, leading by 119 runs, with Jacob Bethell unbeaten on 142. His innings provided stability and guided the team through a tense period.
Heading into the final day, the match is delicately poised. England holds a modest lead, but Australia still retains the upper hand in the series-deciding Test.
IOL