NEW DELHI: England's rising star Jacob Bethell waged a lone battle on the fourth day of the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia at the SCG on Wednesday, announcing his arrival on the big stage as he brought up his maiden Test century.

Bethell's century came at a crucial juncture that kept England in the hunt and also earned him a place in an elite club in Ashes history, as one of the youngest players to score a century for England.

At just 22 years and 76 days, Bethell reached triple figures, etching his name alongside legendary English batsmen.

Only a handful of players have achieved this feat at such a young age. David Gower remains the youngest post-World War II, hitting his first Ashes century at 21 years and 258 days in Perth back in 1978.

Alastair Cook, another modern great, reached the milestone at 21 years and 357 days, also in Perth, during the 2006 series. Colin Cowdrey did it at 22 years and 7 days in Melbourne in 1954.

Other notable names on the list include Ben Stokes, who scored his century at 22 years and 196 days in Perth in 2013, and Joe Root, who reached three figures at 22 years and 202 days at Lord's the same year.

Youngest to score Ashes hundreds for England post WWII

21y 258d - David Gower, Perth (WACA), 1978
21y 357d - Alastair Cook, Perth (WACA), 2006
22y 7d - Colin Cowdrey, Melbourne, 1954
22y 76d - Jacob Bethell, Sydney, 2026*
22y 196d - Ben Stokes, Perth (WACA), 2013
22y 202d - Joe Root, Lord’s, 2013

After dismissing Australia for 567, giving the hosts a 183-run lead, England's second innings started badly when Mitchell Starc struck in the first over to dismiss Zak Crawley lbw on the fifth ball.

Ben Duckett (42) and Harry Brook (42) got starts but failed to capitalise, as Australia strengthened their bid for a 4-1 series victory.