Jacob Bethel becomes the first specialist batsman to achieve the rare Test feat after scoring a maiden first-class century

England batsman Jacob Bethell etched his name in the record books on the fourth day (Wednesday, January 7) of the fifth and final Test against Australia during the Ashes 2025-26. The young batsman completed his maiden Test century in the second innings and also became the fifth cricketer in the elite list of England Test players.

Australia scored a total of 567 runs on Wednesday morning and took a lead of 183 runs in the first innings. Fast bowler Josh Tongue dismissed the key batsmen, including Steve Smith, who scored 138 runs. Beau Webster remained unbeaten on 71 in his first game of the ongoing series. Will Jacques finished the job by eliminating Scott Boland.

Jacob Bethel scored his first Test century in the Ashes

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Jacob Bethel’s first test century! What’s the way to do it?#ash , #PlayoftheDay , @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/lXSUViEVrR

– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) 7 January 2026

During England’s second innings, Jacob Bethell had the biggest moment of his young career by scoring his maiden Test century. He showed calmness and maturity under pressure, controlled the innings and looked secure throughout his time at the crease.

Bethel achieved the milestone in spectacular fashion by hitting a four to complete his century. He celebrated by raising his bat and helmet and thoroughly enjoyed the moment as the crowd applauded warmly.

This innings held even more meaning as his family watched him from the stands and were visibly emotional as he reached this historic milestone. Notably, this was his first Test century to be scored at a prestigious venue during the prestigious Ashes series.

Jacob Bethel becomes first specialist batsman to achieve rare Test feat

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Jacob Bethell is the fifth English player (and first specialist batsman) to score his maiden first-class century in Tests.

Other:
Henry Wood v SA (1892) – WK
Jack Russell vs Australia (1989) – WK
Stuart Broad vs PAK (2010) – Bowler
Gus Atkinson vs SL (2024) – Bowler

Other…

– Tom Morris (@tommorris32) 7 January 2026

Jacob Bethel created history by scoring his maiden first-class century in a Test match. He is only the fifth England player to achieve this feat and the first specialist batsman on this list. Before him, wicketkeepers Henry Wood and Jack Russell and bowlers Stuart Broad and Gus Atkinson had done this.

Bethel became the second youngest England batsman to score an Ashes century this century after Alastair Cook. He also ended a long wait by becoming the first England No. 3 to score a century in the Ashes in 14 years.

First first-class century scored by an England player in a Test match:

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