Bethell’s maiden ton keeps England alive

Jacob Bethell’s stunning maiden first-class century gave England an Ashes silver lining but could not prevent the tourists from sliding towards defeat in the fifth Test against Australia.

The 22-year-old Barbadian, playing in his sixth Test, announced himself as England’s long-term number three with a fabulous unbeaten 142 at a sun-kissed Sydney Cricket Ground.

However, wickets late on the fourth day left England 302-8 in their second innings, leading only by 119 at the close.

It...