Australia edge Day 4 despite Bethell's maiden Test ton

Jacob Bethell's maiden Test century wasn't enough to consolidate England's position as they accumulated a 119-run lead by Stumps on Day 4 at the SCG. After conceding a 183-run first innings lead, England's second innings was marked by periods of control followed by swift implosions.

Australia resumed on 518 for 7. England's concerns compounded when skipper Ben Stokes walked off the field while bowling with what was later confirmed to be a right adductor strain.

Australia's innings unravelled quickly once Josh Tongue had Steve Smith edging behind. Australia finished on 567.

With a deficit of 183 runs, England's second innings began with familiar frustration as Mitchell Starc trapped Zak Crawley LBW in the first over. But England mounted a counter-punch with Ben Duckett and Bethell stitching an attacking partnership of 81 runs.

England's scoring rate saw a significant rise post the drinks break. Bethell copped a glancing blow to his helmet from a sharp Cameron Green bouncer. Duckett was dropped at second slip in the 16th over and England reached Lunch on 80 for 1.

Despite the reprieve, Duckett chopped on a delivery from Michael Neser just after the break. Joe Root, who scored a century in the first innings, looked uncomfortable. He survived a review for caught-behind and copped a painful blow before being trapped LBW in the 32nd over, ending his Ashes with 6 off 37 balls.

Bethell continued to look comfortable. He was joined by Harry Brook, who matched Bethell's energy as England rallied. The duo took England to Tea on 174 for 3 before leveling the scores shortly after. Bethell eventually brought up his ton with a four off Beau Webster in the 50th over.

The Brook-Bethell partnership ticked past 100, but England were dealt a double blow by Webster. He trapped Brook LBW on review before Will Jacks holed out to deep mid-wicket just two balls later.

Jamie Smith walked out with confidence during his 45-run stand with Bethell. However, England let slip control once more with a mix-up leading to Smith's run-out in the 65th over.

Stokes arrived next, looking stiff. His stay was brief as Steve Smith held a sharp catch at slip off Webster. From 219 for 3, England slipped to 267 for 7.

Brydon Carse struck three boundaries during his 30-run stand with Bethell but was out edging to slip. The day ended with Scott Boland beating Bethell's outside edge twice before Stumps.

Brief Scores:
England 384 & 302/8 (Jacob Bethell 142*, Harry Brook 42, Ben Duckett 42; Beau Webster 3-51) lead Australia 567 (Travis Head 163, Steven Smith 138; Josh Tongue 3-97, Brydon Carse 3-130) by 119 runs.