'It was always coming' says new star Bethell

JACOB

- BY RORY DOLLAND, PA

Jacob Bethell raises his bat after completing his maiden Test - and first class - century. (Photo: Ayush Kumar/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty)

(Ayush Kumar Eurasia Sport Images/Getty)

Bethell sealed his status as England's next big thing with a name-making Ashes century then claimed: "It was always coming".The 22-year-old has long been touted as a prodigious talent but was still awaiting his maiden first-class hundred when he came to the crease on day four of the final Test at the SCG.

With a top score of 93 in county cricket, and 96 in a brief Test career, he finally went all the way with a majestic 142 not out to strike back at an Australian attack circling in on victory.