Victory looms for Aussie 19s despite Bethel century

Australia's Under-19s will require just 54 for victory when play resumes at Alan Pettigrew Oval tomorrow morning as they look to square the ledger in their multi-format series against England.

Hugh Weibgen (41 not out) and leg-spinner Luke Holt (0 not out) are at the crease, with the latter coming in as cover for captain Joel Davies after a late wicket fell on Wednesday.

The Aussies still have seven wickets in hand and look set to avenge last week's loss on the back of a strong showing with both bat an ball across three days in Brisbane.

Opener Ethan Jamieson fell just shy of a second half-century for the game when he was out for 48 late on day three, trapped lbw by England spinner Bertie Foreman.

Foreman had earlier picked up number three Harjas Singh for 29, however his replacement Weibgen stuck nine boundaries in just 41 balls to put the home side within touching distance of victory.

Image Id: B98BF2EC7E7C4132A2C9BAA47E50A3B1 Image Caption: Singh's second innings 29 was crucial late on day three // Brody Grogan Photography

Earlier, England pair Jacob Bethel and James Rew continued their strong showing from day two as they pushed England's lead forward after resuming at 2-167.

The two were key players in their nation's run to the final of the Under 19 World Cup in 2022 where they went down to India, and showed again in today why they were part of that campaign even as bottom age players.

Bethel in particular was in ominous touch, with the number three 31 away from his century as the morning session began, and not taking long to get there.

An imperious pull shot to the boundary from the left-hander saw him reach triple figures, with Rew still at the crease with him, as the visitors eyed a defendable total despite their significant first innings deficit.

But just as he did with the bat in the first innings when he struck 84 to set up Australia's initial lead, it was Davies who stood up with the ball, trapping Rew lbw for 62 to break a crucial partnership.

The left-hander was on target again 10 overs later as the umpire this time adjudged the centurion out after he was hit on the pads, bringing to an end a brilliant 123 that included 10 fours and two sixes.

Australia's quicks and Jamieson, whose leg-spin has proved more than handy so far throughout the series, then cleaned up the England tail relatively cheaply, with the home side requiring 187 for victory.

Image Id: BB983EA1182F4FDCBDC2BF97134F0D61 Image Caption: Jamieson drives through the covers // Brody Grogan Photography

Will Salzmann, Callum Vidler, Jamieson and captain Davies all finished with two wickets as Australia showcased their bowling depth.

Australia opener Harry Dixon (12) again looked unflappable to start his innings, smashing three boundaries in his first 11 balls, before he was unlucky to be bowled by Dominic Kelly.

The ball ballooned off the left-hander's hip as he attempted to flick it down to fine leg, however it managed to trickle into his leg stump before he had a chance to kick it away.

However, Singh and Jamieson then combined for a 55-run second wicket stand, before Weibgen put the onus on himself in he and Jamieson's 59-run third-wicket partnership to put Australia in a strong position at stumps.

The Aussies will pick up their score at 3-133 tomorrow morning with star batters Davies and game one centurion Liam Blackford still to come if required.

Main image credit: Brody Grogan Photography

Australia v England Under 19 Men 2023

First four-day match: England U19s won by 24 runs

Second four-day match: Australia U19s won by seven wickets

First 50-over match: Australia U19s won by 119 runs

Second 50-over match: Australia U19s won by one wicket

Third 50-over match: England U19s won by 41 runs

Only T20 match: Australia U19s won by 10 wickets