First Ashes Test Day Four

England took command of the first session of day four, managing to get through the session without loss and raising the overall run rate to just under three an over, after yesterdays very slow start. Australia only had one genuine chance of a wicket, when Strauss was dropped by the normallay safe hands of Mitchell Johnson. Both Strauss and Cook made half centuries, finishing the morning on 79 and 51 at 135 for none.

After lunch things continued England‘s way with centuries for both Strauss and Cook. Straussmanaged 10 more runs before being stumped by Haddin off the bowling of  Marcus North. But that was the only wicket of the day, with Cook remaining unbeaten on 132. He was joined by Trott on the dismissal of Strauss and he was still there on 54 when play closed early due to bad light, with England on 309 for 1 for a lead of 88.

With only one day remaining a draw now looks the most likely result. Which could be bad news for Australia as this is how the last Ashes series started in Cardiff last year. Australia dominated that match only to be held to a draw.