Jacob Bethell’s valiant innings of 154 came to an end as England were bowled out for 342 before lunch on Thursday, setting Australia a target of 160 runs to win the final Ashes Test.
Bethell added 12 runs to his overnight score of 142, building on his maiden Test century which had raised hopes of back-to-back wins for England after their quick victory in the previous Test at Melbourne.
Australia Retains Ashes After Early Wins
Australia had already secured the Ashes by winning the first three Tests held in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Despite this, England have fought hard in the final match to challenge their opponents.
England’s Late Innings Resistance
England resumed the day at 302 for 8, holding a 119-run lead after Australia was all out for 567 in their first innings, responding to England’s initial total of 384. Bethell’s dismissal came after he edged a delivery from Mitchell Starc to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, marking the end of an impressive innings by the promising young batsman seen as a future star of English cricket.
Lower-order batsman Matthew Potts contributed a valuable 18 runs, adding crucial runs before Josh Tongue, who was on six, was also dismissed by Starc, concluding England’s innings. Starc finished with figures of 3 wickets for 72 runs, while Beau Webster took 3 wickets for 64 runs.
The match now hinges on Australia chasing the target of 160 runs to secure victory in the fifth and final Test of the series.
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