Monday 29 November 2010

First Ashes test declared a draw

Alastair Cook scores 235 runs
England duo Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott continued to clock up runs on the final day in Brisbane as the first Ashes Test festered out to a predictable draw.

England reached a milestone of runs as records tumbled at the Gabba when the tourists totalled an impressive 517-1 before declaring their second innings with a lead of 297.

Cook notched up unbeaten on 235 from 428 balls; a new career-best and a record score by any player at the ground, a record previously held by the legendary Sir Donald Bradman.

While Trott chipped in with 135 not out from 266 balls during an unbroken stand of 329 that eclipsed the 307 that was totalled by Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin in Australia's first innings. Cook had hit 26 fours in his marathon knock by the time his skipper, Andrew Strauss, who himself had made 110 on day four, decided enough was enough and put the Australian bowlers out of their misery.

This is only the second time in England's history the top three batsmen have reached three figures in the same innings, the previous instance courtesy of Jack Hobbs, Herbert Sutcliffe and Wally Hammond in 1924. Australia reached 107 for one when the captains decided to shake hands on a high-scoring draw.

England captain Andrew Strauss praised his side's efforts after they fought back from a poor start to finish the first Test in Brisbane on the front foot. 

"Getting out in the first over in the first Test is a pretty horrendous way to start," he said.

"We felt pretty low then and after day three we felt downbeat as well, we'd done good things and we were behind in the game.

"But we dug pretty deep and we're very happy to be nil-all. Nothing changes and both sides will come out hard in the next Test in Adelaide."

When asked about England's approach to the second innings, Strauss said: "If you just go into your shell and try and survive you play into the opposition's hands.

"If you look for scoring opportunities it creates momentum for you and once we got that momentum it became easier and easier."
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