Jacob Bethell looks set to retain his spot at number three after playing a key role in England’s victory in the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne.

Bethell replaced Ollie Pope after he struggled in the first three matches, and the 22-year-old struck 40 in the second innings as England successfully chased down 175 to claim their first Test win in Australia since January 2011.

Given Pope’s indifferent form, Bethell now looks set for an extended run in the side at number three, and he was content with how he performed in Melbourne, having featured for the England Lions in the build-up.

"I felt like my game was in pretty good order," Bethell said.

"I've been playing a fair bit out here for the first couple of weeks of the tour [for the Lions].

"So, I felt like my game was in good order.

"It was just about assessing and adapting to the conditions as quickly as possible, which was pretty extreme in this scenario, but I'm happy with how I went."

Jacob Bethell top-scores with 40 as we complete our first Test win in Australia since 2011.

The series may have gone, but that's a result to be proud of pic.twitter.com/lkuzSY4Iar

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 27, 2025

Bethell, who scored his first professional century in an ODI against South Africa earlier this year, impressed in England's Test series in New Zealand last year, scoring three half-centuries while Pope was absent with injury.

Pope returned for England's summer Tests, with Bethell only featuring in one match, at the Oval against India, in which he batted at number six and could only make scores of six and five respectively.

Bethell's Test average at number three stands at 43.50 from seven innings, with a high score of 96 against New Zealand last year.

The final Ashes Test begins on Sunday, with England only having pride to play for as Australia hold a 3-1 lead.