According to BBC, an all-format batter, Bethell has been tipped for the very top, yet he had not achieved a professional century prior to this match. This milestone was reached neither in Tests nor T20s, and not for any of the teams he has played for, including England, Warwickshire, or Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, Bethell's century against South Africa marks a significant turning point in his career.

This achievement follows several notable performances, such as his 50 not out on his Test debut against New Zealand, and scores of 96 and 82 in subsequent matches. The century has addressed potential doubts regarding his inclusion in the squad for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.

For much of the summer, Bethell and Chloe Kelly were England's most talked about substitutes. Choosing to stay at the Indian Premier League meant Bethell gave up a Test place, yet he has now made a strong case for himself. Despite a scratchy return against India, Bethell's recent performance demonstrated his batting prowess, capturing attention with his impressive shot-making.

Captain Harry Brook welcomed Bethell back to the dressing room by acknowledging the significance of this milestone, stating it is just the beginning of his career. England's white-ball captain expressed confidence in Bethell's ability to build on this achievement, anticipating more centuries in his future.

Despite some earlier missteps in managing Bethell, such as not releasing him to Warwickshire, England's decision to keep him close indicates their high regard for his potential. Coach Brendon McCullum emphasized Bethell's readiness and calm demeanor, labeling him as a future leader for England.

The question now is what England will do next with their "incredible talent". Bethell is set to play against South Africa and Ireland in T20s, followed by New Zealand, before heading to Australia. With his strong performance in under-19 Tests and a favorable batting style against Australian conditions, Bethell is seen as a promising addition to the squad.

There are, however, some doubts about his readiness for red-ball cricket. Former players like Alastair Cook and Vic Marks have called for more evidence of Bethell's abilities in longer formats. They stress the importance of demonstrating endurance at the crease, which is crucial for Test cricket.

As England prepares for the Ashes, Bethell's recent performance has certainly added to the discussion about the team's lineup. His potential inclusion could mirror the bold choices made in past series, although more runs will likely be needed to solidify his place.