In a stunning display of power and precision, young gun Jacob Bethell announced himself on the international stage in the most emphatic way possible, breaking a long-standing record and ensuring the England cricket team signed off their ODI summer with a monumental victory against the South Africa national cricket team.
Facing a potential 3-0 series whitewash at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, England’s batting lineup needed a hero. They found one in the 21-year-old Warwickshire prodigy. Bethell, in just his 15th ODI, blasted a magnificent maiden century, a brutal 110 from just 82 deliveries, to power England to a daunting total of 414-5.
A Record-Breaking Innings
In doing so, Bethell didn’t just save England’s blushes; he etched his name into the cricket history books. At 21 years and 319 days, he became the youngest player ever to score an ODI century against South Africa. He broke the record previously held by Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad, who achieved the feat at 22 years and 4 days back in 2013.
This achievement places him in elite company, surpassing the likes of Kane Williamson and highlighting his immense potential as a future cornerstone of English batting.
Youngest to Score an ODI Hundred vs South Africa:
- Jacob Bethell: 21y 319d
- Ahmed Shehzad (PAK): 22y 4d
- Kane Williamson (NZ): 22y 167d
Answering the Critics in the Best Way Possible
The innings was especially sweet for Bethell, who has faced significant media scrutiny in recent months over his lack of game time. Acting as the spare batter during the Test series against India, he admitted ahead of this match, “I probably should have played slightly more when I wasn’t playing in the Test matches.”
Any questions about rust or rhythm were answered with 13 ferocious boundaries and three towering sixes. This was a statement innings—a confident, mature, and explosive knock that silenced the noise and showcased a player learning from his experiences and thriving under pressure.
The Perfect Partnership
While Bethell provided the fireworks, the experienced Joe Root played the perfect anchor role at the other end, composing a classical 19th ODI century of his own. The pair left the South African bowling attack, including spinner Keshav Maharaj and seamer Corbin Bosch, searching for answers on a tough day in the field. The total of 414-5 proved to be insurmountable, despite any efforts from captain Temba Bavuma.
The comprehensive victory, easily found on any Cricinfo scorecard or by searching “eng vs sa odi” or “south africa vs england today match”, provides a huge boost for England’s white-ball setup as they look ahead to future World Cups.
A Bright Future Ahead
This century is likely just the beginning for Jacob Bethell. Tipped as the future of English cricket, his schedule is packed with opportunity. After the T20Is against South Africa, he is set to become England’s youngest-ever captain on the upcoming tour of Ireland.
With tours to New Zealand, Australia (potentially as an Ashes reserve), and the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Bethell is at the heart of England’s plans. As Marcus Trescothick stated, the management has full faith in his “character and calibre.”
For now, the cricket world is talking about one thing: the day a 21-year-old named Jacob Bethell arrived, broke records, and gave English fans a thrilling glimpse into a very bright future.
