Young England wicketkeeper-batsman Jacob Bethell scored his maiden international century in the third ODI against South Africa. The match was played in Southampton, and Bethell's stellar innings played a crucial role in England reaching a 400+ score.
Sports News: The third and final match of the ODI series between England and South Africa is being played in Southampton. In this match, England's formidable wicketkeeper Jacob Bethell played a magnificent century innings. Coming in to bat at number four, Bethell completed his century in just 76 balls, hitting 11 fours and 3 sixes.
With this performance, Jacob Bethell has become the second youngest player to score a century for England in ODIs. This is his first century in his 134-match professional career, proving to be a special achievement for him.
Bethell's Century Innings
Jacob Bethell, batting at number four, completed his century facing only 76 deliveries. During this period, he hit 11 fours and 3 sixes. In total, Bethell scored 110 runs before being dismissed. This century is not only a personal achievement but also brings him the honor of becoming the second youngest batsman to score a century for England in ODIs.
In this match, Bethell shared a 182-run partnership for the third wicket with Joe Root, helping the England team post a massive total of 414 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. He was dismissed off the bowling of Keshav Maharaj.
Bethell's Career and Special Achievements
Jacob Bethell has represented England in 15 ODIs, 4 Test matches, and 13 T20 Internationals so far. Prior to this match, his highest score in ODIs was 96 runs. Bethell had also never scored a century in his First-Class, List A, or T20 careers before. This is why this maiden international century is extremely special for him.
At the age of 21 years and 319 days, Bethell has set a record by becoming the second youngest centurion for England in ODIs. David Gower holds the first position on this list, having scored a century against Pakistan at The Oval in 1978 at the age of 21 years and 55 days. Batsmen who scored centuries at the youngest age for England in ODIs:
- 21 years 55 days - David Gower vs Pakistan, The Oval, 1978
- 21 years 309 days - David Gower vs Australia, Melbourne, 1979
- 21 years 319 days - Jacob Bethell vs South Africa, Southampton, 2025
- 22 years 97 days - Craig Kieswetter vs Bangladesh, Chittagong, 2010
- 22 years 239 days - Alastair Cook vs India, Southampton, 2007
Bethell's century is his first in a professional career spanning 134 matches, a testament to his patience and hard work. Jacob Bethell's innings significantly contributed to England's massive score.
