A hush fell over the Sydney Cricket Ground on Day 4 of the fifth Ashes Test as England’s young sensation, Jacob Bethell, was floored by a vicious bouncer from Australian all-rounder Cameron Green.
In a series that has seen its fair share of drama, the morning session of the Pink Test delivered perhaps the most heart-stopping moment yet. With England fighting to save the match, the confrontation between the towering Green and the 22-year-old English batter turned hostile, reminding everyone of the brutal physical reality of Test cricket.
Cameron Green bowls a ripping bouncer to Jacob Bethell
The incident occurred during the 45th over of England’s second innings. Green, who had been steaming in from the Paddington End, bent his back to extract steep bounce from the deteriorating Day 4 surface.
The delivery was directed squarely at the body, rising sharply towards Bethell’s helmet. The young left-hander, who has been one of the few shining lights for England this tour, attempted to sway out of the line but was beaten by the sheer pace and height of the 6-foot-6 Australian.
The ball thudded into the side of Bethell’s helmet with a sickening crunch, the force of the impact knocking him off his feet and onto the SCG turf.
Here’s the video:
Oh that is a nasty one! Jacob Bethell was rocked by this one from Cameron Green. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/pyuM3iaA5m
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 7, 2026
Bethell continues fight for England
The incident added a layer of fierce intensity to an already gripping contest. England began Day 4 trailing by a massive 183 runs after Australia posted a formidable 567 in their first innings, powered by centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head.
Bethell, batting at number three, carries the weight of the innings on his shoulders. His battle against Green and Mitchell Starc is shaping up to be the defining contest of the day. They have reached 186/3 and leading Australia by 3 runs with Bethell unbeaten on 87.
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