'I've seen some hundreds but I don't think I've seen many better debut hundreds than that.'
England's young batter Jacob Bethell joined an elite list after scoring his maiden Test century against Australia on Day 4 of the fifth and final Ashes Test at Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old England batter became the ninth England batter to score a century against Australia, aged 22 or younger, joining an illustrious list featuring Johnny Briggs, Young Jack Hearne, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, Colin Cowdrey, David Gower, Mike Atherton, Alastair Cook, and Ben Stokes.
Bethell brought up his first Test and first-class hundred from 162 balls with a boundary off spinner Beau Webster over midwicket. He is the fifth England player to score his maiden first-class century in a Test match.
At 22 years and 76 days, the left-hander is the fourth youngest England batter to score a century in the Ashes post World War II after David Gower, Alastair Cook and Colin Cowdrey.
Former England captain Vaughan hailed Bethell's technique, stating that his knock should serve as a blueprint for England's future Test batters.
"A star has been born here at the SCG .. The tempo / Technique and class of Jacob Bethell today is the blueprint for England's future Test batters," he said on X.
Former England captain Gower was effusive in his praise of the young Bethel.
"Bethell. Brilliant. Delighted. Nuff said!" Gower posted on X.
"I've seen some hundreds but I don't think I've seen many better debut hundreds than that," said England's batting great Alastair Cook on TNT Sports.
"I had two shots and a half. 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."
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