Former England captain Michael Vaughan showered praise on Jacob Bethell after the youngster scored an impressive century in the fifth Ashes Test against Australia at Sydney. Bethell replaced out-of-form Ollie Pope in the final XI and he was able to grab his chance with both hands.

The southpaw remained unbeaten on 142 on the fourth day’s play. This is Bethell’s maiden first-class century and he was able to deliver the goods for the tourists. 

Vaughan said a star is born when Bethell completed his maiden Test century. 

“A star has been born here at the SCG .. The tempo / Technique and class of Jacob Bethell today is the blueprint for England’s future Test batters,” Vaughan wrote on X.

After scoring his maiden First-Class Hundred, the 22-year-old Bethell became the ninth England batter to score a century against Australia, aged 22 or younger. He joined the elite list, including Johnny Briggs, Jack Hearne, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, Colin Cowdrey, David Gower, Mike Atherton, Alastair Cook, and Ben Stokes. 

Moreover, Bethell became the youngest batter since 2006 to record an Ashes century. He bettered his previous highest score of 96. Bethell was dismissed cheaply for 10 runs in the first innings.

The southpaw had also received his chance in the fourth Test at MCG and scored a crucial knock of 40 runs in the second innings when England were chasing 175 runs for the win.

Former England batter David Gower also praised the left-hander for his superb knock.

“Bethell. Brilliant. Delighted. Nuff said!” Gower wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Australia have put themselves in front as England ended the penultimate day of the series at 302-8, leading by 119 runs.