England's hopes for a final-day miracle in Sydney have been dealt a severe blow after captain Ben Stokes was ruled out of bowling on the last day of the Ashes tour due to a painful groin injury.
Captain Limps Off in Sydney
The all-rounder's determined effort to complete all five Tests in Australia came to a cruel end on the fourth morning of the final match at the SCG. Stokes managed just 10 balls into his opening spell before pulling up in clear distress, eventually limping from the field. An England spokesperson later confirmed the issue was with his right abductor muscle.
Stokes did return to bat later in the day, coming in at number eight, but his movement was severely restricted. He was dismissed for just one run, a clear sign of his physical struggle. This means England will be without their seam-bowling captain as they attempt to defend a target on the final day, having ended day four with a lead of 119 runs but only eight wickets remaining.
Bethell's Century Pauses Australian Party
While Stokes' injury dominated the headlines, a brilliant maiden Test century from young batter Jacob Bethell provided a significant silver lining for the tourists. The 22-year-old left-hander finished the day unbeaten on 142, an elegant innings that frustrated the Australian attack and delayed their anticipated series victory.
Speaking about his captain's condition, Bethell was pragmatic. "I don't know the exact injury, but he's moving pretty gingerly," he said. "I don't think that bodes too well for him bowling tomorrow."
A Milestone Moment and Emotional Family Reaction
Reflecting on his own monumental achievement, Bethell remained remarkably composed, much like he appeared at the crease. When asked if he felt pressure after falling for 96 in New Zealand last winter, he replied, "Not really. I knew it was coming."
"It's just nice to get over that milestone, it still hasn't sunk in," he added. "It gives me a lot of confidence to keep doing it... It's an addictive feeling. It's pretty special."
The moment became even more poignant when Bethell was shown footage of his parents, Graham and Giselle, celebrating tearfully in the Brewongle Stand. "That's pretty special," he admitted. "[Dad] is actually quite emotional. I didn't know he would be that emotional, but it is pretty cool to see that."
As the series draws to a close, England now face a daunting final day in Sydney without their inspirational leader Stokes able to bowl, relying on their remaining bowlers and a swelling lead to prevent Australia from securing a 4-1 series win.
