Jacob Bethell leads charge as England look to stave off defeat in Sydney

England�s Jacob Bethell celebrates reaching his half century on day four of the fifth NRMA Insurance Ashes Series 2025 test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia. Picture date: Wednesday January 7, 2026. - (PA Wire)

Jacob Bethell was leading England’s battle to prevent a tortured Ashes campaign ending with a 4-1 defeat in Sydney.

Bethell hit an excellent 79 not out as England shaved a 183-run first-innings deficit down to single figures as they reached 174 for three on the fourth afternoon at the SCG.