Bethell’s century, which took the tourists to 302-8 and a lead of 119, makes the 22-year-old the seventh youngest man to score a Test hundred for England against Australia.
Having come in during the first over, he strolled to the nineties but 29 balls passed with Bethell a hit away from a century.
Harry Brook, England’s vice-captain, wafted and waved at Mitchell Starc bouncers at the other end. Bethell’s dad, Graham, took deep breaths in the stands.
It was the man that mattered most who appeared the calmest of all.
Bethell had, of course, been here before.
In November 2024, he reached 96 against New Zealand in his second Test, only to nick behind off Tim Southee.
His response afterwards, that it would have been “flair” to “smack that through the covers” hinted at Bethell’s freer side – the one that had him pictured doing the YMCA during England’s ill-fated mid-Ashes trip to Noosa.
This hundred showed all of his maturity that is so highly regarded by England – and what persuaded them to make him their youngest captain on last year’s white-ball tour of Ireland.
“He played in a way that Test cricket has been played for many generations,” said former England captain Michael Vaughan on Test Match Special. “You respect the ball and have good technique.
“It was a technical masterclass. A masterclass in composure and calmness.
“The strokeplay, when he got a chance to score, he didn’t try to overhit it. We have seen a batting masterclass from someone who let the ball come.
“He didn’t hit the ball in the air that often. It was a throwback.”
Though the landmark came with a flick for four over mid-wicket off Beau Webster’s spin, Bethell’s first ton was moulded in a style from the old school.
While defending the danger area around his stumps, he timed back-foot punches rather than slashing cuts and clipped from his pads to keep the score moving.
A glorious on-drive off Michael Neser was the highlight and a dismissive pull off Cameron Green through mid-wicket a statement.
“I had two shots and a half,” said Cook, famed for his cuts, pulls and clips, on TNT Sports.
“Four shots would help anyone be world-class. He has guts and determination.
“There were some really tough balls but he has a nice solid technique down the ground.
“Clip, pull, drive and cut. A classic number three innings.”