Cook hits double century as England turn the screw

Published>Mon, Nov 29 10 09:48 AM

Alastair Cook grabbed his first test double century just before lunch as England continued to grind down Australia's toiling bowlers on the final day of a first Ashes test now looking destined for a draw.

Cook, unbeaten on a career-high 201, and Jonathan Trott, who had just reached his own century on 100 not out, had put on 251 for the fourth wicket to drive England to 439-1 at lunch, a lead of 218 runs.

Their highly disciplined stand bettered the 188 Cook put on with skipper Andrew Strauss (110) on Sunday to become the best England partnership in test cricket at the Gabba.

England's "Barmy Army" supporters were at their noisiest just before the break when the 25-year-old Cook clipped the ball behind square to become the fourth England player to score a double century against Australia.

They were back on their feet minutes later when Trott pushed a shot through leg side and scuttled for three runs, leaping into the air in jubilation as he raced to safety and his fourth test century.

Australia's bowlers continued to struggle in front of a small crowd basking in the Brisbane sun with the one cast-iron chance they had of separating the England batsman spilled in the slips.

All rounder Shane Watson, the pick of Australia's bowlers, carved out the opportunity when Trott was on 75 but Michael Clarke could not hold on to a simple catch.

Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson's troubles continued as he continued to go wicketless through the test at the cost of 152 runs.

One wretched delivery to Trott hurtled some three metres wide of the wicket in echoes of England bowler Steve Harmison's first delivery here four years ago that set the tone for England's 5-0 series defeat.

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