Australia finished Day 4 at the SCG in a strong position despite a superb maiden Test and first-class century from Jacob Bethell, with England holding a slim 119-run lead at stumps. After conceding a massive 183-run first-innings deficit, England showed moments of control in their second innings but once again suffered damaging collapses that kept Australia in command.
🇦🇺 Australia Push Their First-Innings Total Past 560
Australia resumed the morning on 518/7 and continued to build on their advantage.
Beau Webster completed his fifty and shared a 100-run partnership with Steve Smith, extending England’s misery. The visitors’ troubles deepened when Ben Stokes was forced off the field with a right adductor strain.
However, England hit back sharply once Josh Tongue removed Smith, triggering a late collapse. Tongue then dismissed Mitchell Starc, while Will Jacks got Scott Boland out for a golden duck. Australia were finally bowled out for 567, adding just 49 runs to their overnight total.
🏴 England’s Second Innings: Fast Start, Then More Trouble
Chasing a huge deficit, England began in frustrating fashion yet again as Zak Crawley was trapped LBW by Starc in the very first over. But England fought back through an aggressive 81-run stand between Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell.
Duckett played freely, while Bethell grew in confidence and found boundaries regularly. England reached 80/1 at Lunch, with momentum finally shifting their way.
But the fightback did not last. Duckett chopped on after the break, and Joe Root, who had made a century in the first innings, struggled badly this time. He was eventually trapped LBW for just 6, leaving England in another hole.
🌟 Bethell and Brook Lead England’s Revival
At the other end, Jacob Bethell looked calm and assured. Alongside Harry Brook, he launched another counter-attack, pushing England forward. The pair took England to 174/3 at Tea, and soon after, the scores were level.
Bethell then reached a historic moment, bringing up his maiden Test century with a boundary in the 50th over — a special achievement in only his early days in Test cricket.
The Brook–Bethell partnership crossed 100, and England briefly appeared to be taking control of the match.
🔁 Webster Strikes Back, England Collapse Again
Just when England looked settled, Beau Webster turned the game again. He removed Brook LBW, and then dismissed Will Jacks only two balls later. Although Jamie Smith added some momentum, a mix-up led to his run-out.
Ben Stokes, clearly not fully fit, could not stay long and was caught in the slips. England collapsed from 219/3 to 267/7, once again undoing their good work.
Bethell stayed firm, getting support from Brydon Carse, but Carse was eventually caught behind. England crossed 300, but Australia ended the day strongly, with Boland beating Bethell’s bat twice just before stumps.
📊 Day 4 Summary
England: 384 & 302/8
- Jacob Bethell 142*
- Harry Brook 42, Ben Duckett 42
- Beau Webster 3/51
Australia: 567
- Travis Head 163, Steven Smith 138
- Josh Tongue 3/97, Brydon Carse 3/130
👉 England lead by 119 runs
