Bethell's Format Century Sweep
England's Jacob Bethell delivered a "warrior" performance, scoring an international century in all three formats — despite never achieving one domestically. He was praised widely post-match vs India for this remarkable feat that highlights his big-game mentality.
Jacob Bethell's recent T20I century, a stunning 105 from just 48 balls against India, was a historic moment as it made him the first male cricketer to score his maiden century in all three formats of the game at the international level. This unusual achievement means he had never scored a century in first-class, List A, or T20 cricket domestically before hitting triple figures for England in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. His journey to this unique "format century sweep" began with his maiden Test and first-class century, a score of 154 against Australia during the Ashes in January 2026. This was followed by his first List A and ODI hundred against South Africa in September 2025, where he scored 110. The T20I century against India, which included eight fours and seven sixes, completed the set. Despite Bethell's heroic efforts, his centuries in both the T20 World Cup semi-final and the Ashes Test match ended in losses for England. The T20 against India was a narrow seven-run defeat while chasing a mammoth 254, with Bethell's dismissal in the final over ending England's hopes. This has led to him describing the feeling of personal success in a losing cause as a "tough pill to swallow." At 22, the Barbados-born all-rounder is the youngest England player to score centuries in all three formats. This accomplishment places him in an elite group of cricketers, becoming only the fourth English player to achieve the feat. His big-game temperament was on full display during the T20 World Cup semi-final, where his innings was widely lauded as a "lone warrior" effort.
