Alistair Cook & Andrew Strauss
After 3 days of Aussie dominance, the English finally had something to rejoice about as Andrew Strauss and Alistair Cook scored centuries and most importantly lost only 1 wicket in the whole days’ play as they moved closer to safety scoring 309 runs – a lead of 88 runs.
Resuming the day at 19 for no loss, Strauss and Cook gathered runs at a decent pace. Strauss, in particular was more aggressive using his feet often to loft down the ground while Cook was his usual determined self. They brought up the 100 run partnership in the 36th over and 150 in the 52nd becoming the most prolific opening pair for England, eclipsing the Jack Hobbs-Herbett Sutcliffe record.
Strauss looked set for a really big hundred but Australia managed to take a wicket out of nowhere and from an unlikely source – Marcus North. North tossed the ball up with Strauss coming down the track. The ball spun past the edge and he couldn’t find make his ground before Brad Haddin whipped the bails off.
Cook and Trott carried on the good work done earlier in the day and brought up his 14th Test hundred with a late cut of first innings hero Peter Siddle. Trott earned a reprieve when Michael Clarke put down a really sharp chance at slip. England made sure they didn’t give the Aussies anymore chances and ended the day at 309/1; Cook on 132 and Trott on 54.
Australia can still force a result on the Final day but with our bowling attack not looking incisive. England still can pay on as long as possible and ensure safety and go to the second Test all level in the series.
Tags: Alistair Cook, Andrew Strauss, Australia, Cricket, England, Test Series, The Ashes, The Ashes 2010
