That’s the Way the Cookie Crumbles

After a merciless third day at the Gabba due to Hussey and Haddin, England went into day four looking down the barrel. The tourists began the day on 19-0, a mere 202 runs behind the Australians. England needed to show poise, finesse and most importantly a wealth of mental strength in order to remain in this one. But were they capable?

Openers Andrew Strauss and Alistair Cook seemed determined to put the hosts through a similar experience as they themselves had to cope with just 24 hours previous, and boy did they do so. Becoming the first English openers to both score centuries in the same innings of an Ashes test match since before the war, Strauss (110) and Cook (132 no) have managed to put England in an unimaginable position at stumps.

After Strauss danced down the wicket and missed a Marcus North delivery he was strolling back to the pavilion having failed to do what Haddin and Hussey had done the day before, go on and get a big one. Cook though has managed to put himself in a strong position to do just this with assistance from a solid looking Jonathan Trott who ended the day unbeaten on 54.

With the Aussie bowling attack missing the magic of years gone by they seemed remarkably average. Mitchell Johnson who was tipped to perform highly at home lacked control and skipper Ponting looked reluctant to throw the ball his way. Johnson’s day was one to forget as he also grounded a catch in the morning session that may have created some Aussie momentum. Alas, England end day four 88 runs ahead of home side.

England are still not home and dry yet and will have to bat well in the morning session of the last day to ensure the defeat is avoided. But can we dream of a magical ending tomorrow? If Cook and Trott can not only survive but push on tomorrow, England will give themselves a session to really go at the Australians? Unlikely as it is, a man can dream!

So will David Gower and the England supporters be yelping with joy and jubilation rather than the pain of previous days from of the test come tomorrow evening? Let’s just hope the Brisbane curse of recent years will be firmly put behind us and we can go onto Adelaide at the very least all square in the series.

Thanks for reading!