Today At The Test, Brisbane Day 4

Score: England 309/1 lead by 88 runs

England are on top at the Gabba on Day 4 thanks to centuries from skipper Strauss and an unbeaten century from vice captain Cook

They are going into the final day with confidence and the match very much looks like its heading towards a draw

England will be much happier with a draw then Australia for two reasons

1) They only need to draw the series to retain the Ashes. Thats how it works of course as they won the urn previously

2) Defeat seemed inevitable and the situation was ominious as Australia were in total command, yet they battled hard and managed to save the Test

I may be speaking too soon in all probability, however it will be very surprising if Australia can turn this one around from here and heavily disappointing on England's part if that happens

Player Of The Day (England): Strauss and Cook both were on song and led from the front. It was highly important that they batted with some responsibility and they did exactly that

Player Of The Day (Australia): As only one wicket fell, no one really. They struggled and plundered miserably

Ball Of The Day: North to Strauss. Of course it was the only wicket of the day, but a great delivery nevertheless from the part time off spinner which beat Strauss both with the flight and turn for an easy stumping by Haddin to complete the job

Photo Of The Day

^The two left hand English openers were centurions who dominated proceedings on day 4 with an opening stand of 188

Looking Ahead

Just keep going and batting for as long as possible. Its more or less just a matter of time. If KP, Collingwood and Prior can get in amongst the runs that will be brilliant from an English perspective as it would then mean that all batsmen have struck form in this all important Ashes opener at the Gabba. Most of the hard work has been done, now its just about ensuring they get the wanted result and the invaluable momentum going into Adelaide on the 3rd of December