### Australia Faces Tension in Ashes Finale as Bethell's Century Offers England Hope In a gripping conclusion to the Ashes series, Australia found itself in a precarious position on the final day of the fifth Test against England. After losing openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, Australia needed 89 runs to secure a 4-1 series victory. England, having been dismissed for 342 earlier in the day, set Australia a target of 160 runs, creating a tense atmosphere at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Jacob Bethell's maiden Test century, scored in the previous innings, provided a glimmer of hope for England, despite their late collapse [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/starc-dismisses-bethell-154-england-001903249.html][https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/england-dismissed-for-342-australia-require-160-to-win-fifth-ashes-test]. ### Structure of the Ashes Finale Overview 1. **Match Context** - Australia entered the final day needing 89 runs for victory after losing two key wickets. - England's second innings total of 342 set a target of 160 runs for Australia to chase. 2. **Key Performances** - Jacob Bethell's century was pivotal for England, showcasing his potential and resilience. - Australia's bowlers, particularly Mitchell Starc, played crucial roles in dismissing England's top order. 3. **Match Dynamics** - The match saw fluctuating fortunes, with England initially gaining momentum before suffering a collapse. - Tensions rose as Australia sought to close out the series with a decisive win. 4. **Final Day Expectations** - The final day promised high drama as Australia aimed to clinch the series while England fought to salvage pride. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **England's Second Innings**: England was dismissed for 342, setting Australia a target of 160 runs [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/england-dismissed-for-342-australia-require-160-to-win-fifth-ashes-test]. - **Jacob Bethell's Performance**: Bethell scored 154 runs, marking his first Test century, which was crucial in giving England a fighting chance [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bethell-slams-maiden-century-leave-072036642.html]. - **Australia's Bowling**: Starc and Boland were instrumental in taking key wickets, maintaining pressure on England throughout the match [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/australia-all-out-567-lead-183-in-fifth-ashes-test-5827891]. ### Conclusion: A Tense Finale with High Stakes 1. **Match Summary**: Australia, needing 89 runs on the final day, faced a challenging chase after losing two early wickets. 2. **Key Players**: Jacob Bethell's century was a standout performance, providing hope for England amidst a challenging series. 3. **Tension and Drama**: The match dynamics shifted frequently, with both teams having moments of dominance, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion. 4. **Final Outcome**: As the match progressed, the stakes heightened, with both teams vying for a decisive finish in this historic series [https://www.thedailyjagran.com/cricket/eng-vs-aus-australia-mens-circket-team-vs-england-cricket-team-match-scorecard-in-sydney-ashes-4-1-10291189].