England's Bethell ready for Ashes if opportunity comes his way

The left-handed batter struck a belligerent 110 against South Africa in the third and final ODI

England's Jacob Bethell celebrates after completing his century - Third One Day International - England v South Africa - The Ageas Bowl, Southampton, Britain - Sept 7, 2025. Action Images via Reuters/

England batter Jacob Bethell is unsure if his first hundred in international cricket in Sunday's one-dayer against South Africa has opened the door to the Ashes squad but the 21-year-old is confident he would not let anyone down if given the opportunity.

The left-handed batter struck a belligerent 110 as England pummelled South Africa by a record 342 runs in the third and final one-dayer in Southampton.

Bethell, who turns 22 next month, is expected to be included in the squad for the five-test series in Australia, though Ollie Pope remains first choice at number three despite the England vice-captain's inconsistent recent form.

"I don't know if these runs mean anything but I don't think they can hurt," Bethell said of his Southampton century.

"If the opportunity arises, I'll hopefully be there to take it."

It was Bethell's second successive 50-plus score in the series and the Warwickshire player is determined to keep putting up the big numbers.

"It was a bit of a blur to be honest, but it was a great feeling ... It was unbelievable," he added. "It feels like an addictive feeling, so hopefully there's a few more of them to come."

Fellow centurion Joe Root was full of praise for a player he has watched for a long time.

"He's very clear on how he wants to play his cricket," he said. "I've known him for a long time - since he was eight years old - so for him to play an innings like that and get us in that position at the halfway stage was fantastic."

The Ashes series begins in Perth on Nov 21.