JACOB BETHELL is getting pelters for his daring underwear on day one of the fourth Ashes Test.
The 22-year-old was called up by England to replace the misfiring Ollie Pope at number three.
Although Pope had been feeling the heat, the decision to bring Bethell in raised eyebrows given his lack of first-class cricket in 2025.
And the youngster didn’t cover himself in glory when he was bowled by Michael Neser and caught by Alex Carey with just one run on the board.
But it was a wardrobe malfunction while fielding that gave some England fans even more cause for concern.
Bethell’s trousers slipped down after an unsuccessful dive and revealed a pair of Ashes trophy-themed pants with ‘budgy smugglers’ written on the backside.
COUNTY LINES
England legend Alastair Cook pinpoints glaring issue with Stokes’ Ashes flops
One fan wrote on X: “This is how unserious this group is… this guy captained England in the summer, is their golden boy and is wearing these when he gets his opportunity. It’s a shambles.”
Another posted: “Naa man this is embarrassing.”
And a third commented: “That’s the only Ashes England can afford.”
And the commentators got in on the act, with TNT Sports’ lead saying: “Many people would say England have had their pants pulled down this series… Bethell able to see the funny side.”
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
Bethell became England’s youngest ever captain when he led the T20 team on their tour of Ireland in September.
And England could have used a big performance from him on a day which saw Australia falter with the bat.
The hosts were bowled for 152 on a helpful pitch in Melbourne, opening the door for England who are hunting down their first Test win of an Ashes series which has already been won by the Aussies.
But England slipped to 110 all out in just 29.5 overs – Harry Brook’s 41 the only slight positive on a turbulent day.
England cricket legend Michael Atherton is among those to have questioned Bethell being thrown in at the deep end.
He told Sky Sports: “Bethell, I just think he’s on a hiding to nothing.
“This is a kid who’s hardly played any first-class cricket over the past 12 months and suddenly you’re thrust out at three on a very helpful pitch in front of 95,000.
“Well, he’s obviously a very good player, but good luck coping with that.
“I felt for the young man going out there today. I don’t think that was an easy task at all.”