{"id":399169,"date":"2026-01-08T06:29:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T06:29:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/399169\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T06:29:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T06:29:09","slug":"australia-vs-england-day-4-talking-points-from-fifth-test-at-the-scg-analysis-beau-webster-selection-spin-bowling-jacob-bethell-future-no-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/399169\/","title":{"rendered":"Australia vs England Day 4 Talking Points from fifth Test at the SCG, analysis, Beau Webster selection, spin bowling, Jacob Bethell future No.3"},"content":{"rendered":"

Australia is in a commanding position as it seeks to wrap up a dominant Ashes 4-1 heading into the final day, but the emergence of a star of the future in Jacob Bethell<\/a> has ensured they will need to bat well to secure victory.<\/p>\n

On a day Beau Webster demonstrated again that he is too good to be left on the sidelines, Bethell ensured his maiden first class century will be one to remember with a remarkable performance at the SCG.<\/p>\n

Watch The Ashes 2025\/26 LIVE and ad-break free during play with FOX CRICKET on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

England\u2019s hopes of ensuring Australia have a nervous run chase rest on Bethell, who finished unbeaten on 142, but are tempered by the certainty captain Ben Stokes will be unable to bowl after he injured a groin in the infancy of the day.<\/p>\n

England are 8-302 at stumps, leading Australia by 119 runs heading into the last day of the series, <\/a>with Bethell telling Fox Cricket he would \u201cbite your hand off\u201d to set a target of 200 on Thursday. <\/p>\n

See the Talking Points from Day 4 of the SCG Test!<\/p>\n

WEBSTER A TRIPLE-EDGED WEAPON<\/p>\n

As brilliantly as Beau Webster batted at the SCG on Wednesday, his deeds with the ball in the final session demonstrated why the Tasmanian should be in longer-term calculations.<\/p>\n

A case could be mounted for Webster to earn selection as a specialist batter. And the comparisons between his deeds and Cameron Green\u2019s potential will continue to occur.<\/p>\n

But it is Webster\u2019s ability to offer a part-time off-spinning option that is intriguing as Australia eyes off ending a drought that will stretch to 23 years in the subcontinent in 12 months time.<\/p>\n

The Aussies have home series against Bangladesh in August and New Zealand next summer, along with a tour of South Africa, leading into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2027.<\/p>\n

MORE FROM THE ASHES<\/p>\n

\u2018HONEST CONVERSATIONS\u2019: Warner rejects criticism of selectors after ABC furore<\/a><\/p>\n

BEAU-BALL! Make-shift star spins to win as \u2018future of England\u2019 fights to save Poms<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2018DISAPPOINTED\u2019: Aussie hero has \u2018full faith\u2019 in Test selectors despite cruel Ashes snub<\/a><\/p>\n

Webster finished with 3-51 from 15 overs and said he would love the opportunity to get the ball in his hand on the final day to give him a chance of snaring five wickets in an innings.<\/p>\n

While he does not bowl off-spin as regularly these days, he said they were always \u201con tap\u201d if he needed them and that the \u201cmuscle memory\u201d he developed in his early 20s stood him in good stead to deliver when required.<\/p>\n

He said coach Andrew McDonald advised him before the Test that there was a prospect he would be called on to deliver spin in the second innings should the foot marks become more conducive to spin, which is what occurred.<\/p>\n

But Australian selectors must surely be tempted to advise Webster, who Fox Cricket expert Kerry O\u2019Keeffe likened to former English great Tony Greig, to focus on his spinning rather than seaming given his height is sure to generate bounce in India.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a triple-edged sword he offers this team,\u201d O\u2019Keeffe said.<\/p>\n

Given his skills, Webster would surely offer a complimentary role to an attack featuring Nathan Lyon, if fit and still playing, or either Todd Murphy or Corey Rocchiccioli if the great is retired, and left-handed spinner Matt Kuhnemann.<\/p>\n

Webster\u2019s ability to snare Harry Brook LBW and then Will Jacks in the same over regained the momentum for Australia and followed his deeds with the bat earlier on Day 4.<\/p>\n

A commanding presence at the crease given his stature, Webster batted with the assuredness of a cricketer with complete confidence in his game. <\/p>\n

That, former English captain Michael Vaughan said, is the primary difference at the moment between the Tasmanian and Australia\u2019s incumbent all-rounder Cameron Green.<\/p>\n

‘I thought I was as good as anyone’ | 04:22<\/p>\n

\u201cWebster has played beautifully,\u201d Vaughan said on Kayo Sports\u2019 coverage of the Ashes. <\/p>\n

\u201cAll the talk (has been about) Cameron Green and Beau Webster. Cameron is in the early stages of his career. (But) you look at Beau Webster (and) he has played a lot of cricket. <\/p>\n

\u201cHe looks to me like he knows his game. He knows where he is going to look to score his runs. I think Cameron Green is probably not quite sure what kind of player he is. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt tells you the more cricket you play, and he has played so much state cricket, he has played a bit of county cricket, now a bit of international cricket, he knows his game.\u201d<\/p>\n

The \u201cSlug\u201d from Snug scored his fourth half-century from seven Tests with an unbeaten 71 from just 84 deliveries at No.9 due to the use of Michael Neser as nightwatchman.<\/p>\n

Given the manner with which he was handling an English attack minus the injured Stokes, he was probably robbed of a maiden Test century after running out of partners.<\/p>\n

Admittedly this innings came against an attack that was worn down, and with Australia 106 overs into its innings on a batting-friendly pitch when the tall Tasmanian made his way to the crease.<\/p>\n

But he made the most of the opportunity and it is worth noting he was able to handle tricky conditions in Australia and the Caribbean in his brief international career so far.<\/p>\n

It followed a defiant 57 and unbeaten 39 on debut on a tricky pitch at the SCG a year ago against India, one that raised questions as to why he had been denied a chance for so long.<\/p>\n

The same is true again this summer and much of the debate has surrounded Webster and Green, but in truth it could be argued the former should have batted in front of Josh Inglis in Brisbane and Adelaide.<\/p>\n

It comes down to definition and perception. <\/p>\n

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 07: Beau Webster of Australia celebrates dismissing Will Jacks.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n

Is Webster solely in the all-rounder category? Or should he be considered a legitimate batter who happens to be extremely handy with the ball as well?<\/p>\n

If Australia can afford to deploy two wicketkeeper-batters, as they did when fielding Inglis alongside Carey in two Tests this Ashes, along with outings in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean, why couldn\u2019t Webster play alongside Green more regularly?<\/p>\n

That is a point made by ex-Aussie batter Simon Katich, who noted the retirement of Usman Khawaja gave both men an opportunity to press their claims in Test cricket later this year.<\/p>\n

But he said Green had to work on his technique, noting he was struggling against the short ball.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an interesting one, because Khawaja is retiring. I still think there is a chance you could play both of them,\u201d Katich said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like what I saw from Green (day three). I didn\u2019t like what I saw from him in Melbourne. But there are a few technical areas he needs to work on and if he can do that, I think he can come back a better player for it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he applied himself well yesterday but to get out in that fashion, it\u2019s technical. This has been ongoing \u2026 when he got hit in the head in Perth, that was a technical error there. <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was, whatever it was, six weeks ago and it hasn\u2019t been rectified, so I would question what is going on behind the scenes to help this young guy out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Webster is averaging 41.09 from seven Tests, which compares favourably to Green, who is averaging 32.33 from 37 Tests, and Inglis, who is averaging 26 from five Tests to date.<\/p>\n

Green, 26, has the best first class average at 44, with Webster sitting at 37.5 and Inglis at 35.2. <\/p>\n

Green can be venomous with the ball, as demonstrated when he smashed Jacob Bethell in the helmet, and Brett Lee believes he is capable of hitting 145km\/h consistently.<\/p>\n

But it has been a lean summer for Green, who has averaged 21 and taken just four wickets. <\/p>\n

Adding insult to a dented confidence, he spilled a decent chance off the bowling of Michael Neser on Wednesday, in the process denying Steve Smith an even easier chance, but did rebound to take a magnificent catch to snare Jacks.<\/p>\n

To be clear, Vaughan is a believer in Green, as he stressed to foxsports.com.au on Wednesday. And so too are former stars including Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke.<\/p>\n

For all the bar banter and social media sledging of Green this year, and his failure to seize the day, Hussey and co are adamant the West Aussie will deliver for Australia.<\/p>\n

\u201cCameron Green wasted a golden opportunity. Beau Webster took his opportunity,\u201d Kerry O\u2019Keeffe told Fox Cricket\u2019s Ashes Daily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Cameron Green has a higher ceiling at Test level with the ball and the bat, but he\u2019s now 30-odd Tests into his career and he averages just over 30 They\u2019ll pick and stick, but he has to start delivering consistently and not getting himself out<\/p>\n

\u201cWebster sells his wicket dearly. Nakedly you\u2019d think Green has more to offer (but) the onus is on Green to say \u2018No, I\u2019m the No. 6 in this side\u2019. He looks as if he has that capacity, but he\u2019s yet to fully nail it down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Every Boundary from an ICONIC Smith ton | 05:52<\/p>\n

\u2018PLAYER OF THE AGES\u2019: SMITH\u2019S NOT GOING ANYWHERE<\/p>\n

Retirement speculation has followed Steve Smith for several years. <\/p>\n

The New South Welshman had a serious conversation with Australian coach Andrew McDonald about his Test future during the 2023 tour of India, agreeing to take things match by match.<\/p>\n

Whenever he\u2019s been asked about the prospect of retirement across the following 24 months, Smith has struck by that philosophy. Series by series. Match by match. Day by day.<\/p>\n

But on the eve of the New Year\u2019s Ashes Test in Sydney, he changed his tune. Pressed on the potential of playing the 2027 Ashes series in the United Kingdom, Smith spoke with enthusiasm about the future.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to keep playing. I\u2019m just enjoying it. It\u2019s fun. I feel we\u2019ve got a really good team,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs an older player now, hopefully I can help some of the players coming through and help teach them the game of Test cricket. That\u2019s my role now.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like I\u2019m doing alright at the moment, I\u2019m contributing and having fun so there\u2019s no real end date for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He, too, noted the retirement of Khawaja would lead to a drop in experience he was not keen to add to.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith Usman (Khawaja) dropping off now, it\u2019s one of our experienced players, so it probably wouldn\u2019t be ideal if him and I went out this week,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

During this week\u2019s masterful century at the SCG, his 37th in Tests, Smith leapfrogged England legend Jack Hobbs to become the second-leading run-scorer in Ashes history. The only player ahead of him is Sir Donald Bradman.<\/p>\n

Although he won\u2019t reach Bradman\u2019s Ashes tally of 5028 runs and 19 hundreds, Smith\u2019s legacy as a modern great of the game is undeniable, a reputation he could enhance if he plays through to 2027.<\/p>\n

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 07: Steve Smith of Australia walks off after he was dismissed during day four of the Fifth Test.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cSmith is an extraordinary player, and has been for 14 years,\u201d O\u2019Keeffe told Fox Sports News\u2019 Ashes Daily.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis hand-eye coordination is the best I\u2019ve ever seen. It\u2019s extraordinary how he sights the ball. He only has eyes for that red six-stitcher. He\u2019a absolute consumed with what that ball is doing. He\u2019s a player of the ages.\u201d<\/p>\n

Australia is scheduled to play 20 Tests from August this year until the end of the 2027 Ashes. If Smith continues, Ricky Ponting\u2019s national record of 41 Test hundreds could be in jeopardy.<\/p>\n

Asked about Smith\u2019s renewed enthusiasm for Tests on Tuesday, fellow Sydney centurion Travis Head quipped with tongue in cheek; \u201cA couple hundreds last summer got him, perked … up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c(Smith) prides himself on his batting ability but also his leadership and he\u2019s done a fantastic job when he has done that,\u201d Head said. <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s also a motivation to continue. While he\u2019s enjoying it, he will hang around. It would be silly not to say we want him forever. I hope he\u2019s here for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

If Smith does feature in the next edition of the Ashes, he\u2019ll need to find a way to tame England quick Josh Tongue, who knocked him over for a seventh time in six matches on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

The Nottinghamshire seamer may have unearthed a bunny, with Smith averaging 18.25 against him in the Test area. <\/p>\n

As an aside, the Australian champion has been remarkable in the slips the entirety of the summer and took brilliant catches to snare Stokes and Brydon Carse in the tailend of England\u2019s innings. <\/p>\n

With 215 slips catches, he trails all-time leader Joe Root by just one.<\/p>\n

Jacob Bethell: “It was always coming!” | 09:43<\/p>\n

\u2018NOT ROCKET SCIENCE\u2019: VAUGHAN\u2019S RADICAL COUNTY PLOY<\/p>\n

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has floated a radical method of encouraging the country\u2019s budding Test stars to play more first-class cricket.<\/p>\n

On Wednesday, Bethell notched his maiden Test hundred at the SCG, becoming England\u2019s fourth-youngest Ashes centurion since World War II.<\/p>\n

The 22-year-old, who previously hadn\u2019t reached triple figures at first-class level, wasn\u2019t available for last year\u2019s Test match against Zimbabwe due to Indian Premier League commitments, impeding his development in the game\u2019s longest format.<\/p>\n

Bethell told Fox Cricket at stumps that he did not necessarily view that as an opportunity lost, saying he felt the IPL experience was beneficial.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t necessarily say that I gave it (the chance) away at the IPL (because) that experience over there was unbelievable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI took on a lot and I came back a better cricketer having had that.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Vaughan, Bethell\u2019s challenge moving forward will be how he manages the pressures of juggling the three formats because domestic T20 leagues around the world will be chasing his signature.<\/p>\n

History shows many of his teammates have struggled to change gears when switching from white-ball cricket to Tests as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the hard thing for these young players that are playing all three formats, to keep that tempo, to keep your mind active and strong across the three formats,\u201d Vaughan told Fox Cricket.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still think he needs to play more red-ball cricket.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vaughan floated the potential of encouraging Bethell to play more County Championship cricket by omitting him from inconsequential international white-ball series during the home summer, but still paying him the England match fee as an enticement.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want your players to develop, is every lateral white ball series that important?\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are the things the management teams have to look at.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the best for their development going forward? If it is to play three four-day games rather than a one-day series against X, or Y, just pay them what they would have gotten for the one-day series. It\u2019s not rocket science.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fox Cricket expert analyst Kerry O\u2019Keeffe said England and Bethell had much to consider.<\/p>\n

\u201cBethell said earlier he wants to go to World Cups and be a three-format player,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting the workload he takes on now. (I\u2019m) very interested in his immediate future, such a valuable No. 3 a Test level. What will they do with Bethell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018EARN THAT RIGHT\u2019: ENGLAND OPENERS ARE NO LONGER LOCKS<\/p>\n

While England has unearthed a No.3 in Bethell, Vaughan is less certainwhether the incumbent opening combination of Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley will feature when they host New Zealand later this year.<\/p>\n

The duo was considered a bedrock of Bazball, a partnership capable of dashing England off to a rapid start to build a platform for the rest.<\/p>\n

But they have floundered in Australia due to Mitchell Starc\u2019s brilliance and the relentless and excellent consistency of Scott Boland and Michael Neser. The fish has rotted from the head for England from Perth to Sydney.<\/p>\n

Crawley bookended a series which began with a pair in Perth by shouldering arms to a delivery that zipped back in from Starc to fall for one on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Yet he managed to score more runs for the summer (273 at an average of 27.3) than his highly-rated partner Duckett, who finished the Ashes with 202 runs at 20.2 after making a crisp 42 on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

As an opening combination, they averaged 19 for the series, with six of their ten partnerships lasting fewer than 15 balls at a score of less than seven runs.<\/p>\n

While Bethell has performed superbly since replacing Ollie Pope at No.3 for the Boxing Day Test, the exiled Englishman was scarcely given a helping hand by the openers this series, having to come to the crease early on while struggling for form.<\/p>\n

INSANE review sees off dangerman Brook | 00:56<\/p>\n

It is why Vaughan, while believing both players are highly capable when at their best, said it is not assured they will lead from the front in their next home series against the Kiwis.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think after a tour like this (that) any player should think they\u2019re a shoe-in,\u201d Vaughan told foxsports.com.au<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you don\u2019t want to do going forward is think that every player that plays for England gets an opportunity (for) the next Test just because they\u2019re part of the same group.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere hasn\u2019t been enough consequence with this England group for a while now. I wouldn\u2019t (think) that every player that\u2019s playing here is a guarantee to play that first Test against New Zealand. You\u2019ve got to earn that right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Duckett, who endured scrutiny after video footage surfaced of him drunk in Noosa during the break between the Brisbane and Adelaide Tests, saved his best innings for the final innings.<\/p>\n

The diminutive left-hander looked good on a flatter Sydney pitch before falling in a familiar way when chopping Michael Neser onto his stumps.<\/p>\n

It is the seventh time he has chopped on to fast bowlers since the start of the English summer in 2022, which equals an unwanted record held by the discarded Pope.<\/p>\n

As an added concern, he has not recorded a half-century in his past 24 innings across all formats, which includes performances in the hundred and ODIs against South Africa and New Zealand.<\/p>\n

But Vaughan has no doubt Duckett is a class act who will regain his form once home.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuckett will be absolutely fine. Crawley can\u2019t be a shoe-in, but he\u2019s a player that I like, a player I\u2019d like to see develop and improve,\u201d Vaughan said. <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought throughout the tour he improved. Here in Sydney he\u2019s ended on a bit of a low note, but I think he\u2019s tried to play the right way the last few innings. He\u2019s not gone dashing like he did in Perth. I would think the pair will carry on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Most instances of bowled chopped on vs pace in Tests since June 2022<\/p>\n

7 – Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope <\/p>\n

5 – KL Rahul & Dimuth Karunaratne <\/p>\n

4 – David Warner, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Harry Brook & Joe Root <\/p>\n

via CricViz<\/p>\n

‘Shambolic’ – Vaughan slams Bazball | 07:37<\/p>\n

\u2018DON\u2019T UNDERSTAND\u2019: ENGLAND \u2018STUPIDITY\u2019 GET EVEN WORSE<\/p>\n

Jamie Smith\u2019s blunder on day two of the SCG Test was a late contender for the worst dismissal of the series until teammate Will Jacks said; \u201cHold my beer.\u201d <\/p>\n

The England all-rounder\u2019s second-ball duck on Wednesday was inexplicably poor. Facing the part-time spinner Webster, the right-hander attempted to heave his second delivery over cow corner, instead picking out the boundary rider.<\/p>\n

Cameron Green held onto a low chance and Webster threw his arms up in triumph. The Australians had been gifted a wicket from nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have seen some stupidity in this series,\u201d former England bowler Alex Hartley said on BBC Test Match Special.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is right up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

England, batting to save the Test match, slipped from 3-219 to 5-219 within five minutes in a lapse that curtailed their hopes of setting Australia an uncomfortable target, or of potentially forcing a draw by batting for an extended period.<\/p>\n

Jacks may have considered it an opportunity to hit Webster out of the attack, forcing Australia to bring on their strike bowlers with the softened ball. <\/p>\n

Regardless of the thinking, his dismissal was inexcusable, with Vaughan stating he could not \u201cbelieve the shot I\u2019ve just seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t understand the thinking from Jacks,\u201d Hussey said on Fox Cricket.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe blueprint has been so clear from Bethell and even Ben Duckett earlier on, which was work hard early your innings and get through that initial period.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just a lack of respect for Beau Webster\u2019s bowling, thinking, \u2018Nah, I\u2019m going to smash him out of the attack.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

This summer, Jacks has accumulated 145 runs at 20.71 and taken five wickets at 56.00. His selection was deemed a gamble, and in hindsight, the call has backfired. He\u2019s hardly thrown a punch. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Australia is in a commanding position as it seeks to wrap up a dominant Ashes 4-1 heading into…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":399170,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[564],"tags":[64,63,740,85],"class_list":{"0":"post-399169","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cricket","8":"tag-au","9":"tag-australia","10":"tag-cricket","11":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/399169","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=399169"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/399169\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/399170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=399169"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=399169"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=399169"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}