England complete record 3-1 Ashes thrash

Sports - Cricket - Ashes - 5th Test- Sydney - Day 5

Chris Tremlett got the last winning wicket for England, a memorable moment for the bowler, tailender Michael Beer (2) edging the ball onto his stumps and thereby completing England's third win by an innings and 83 runs and 3-1 Ashes thrashing against Australia.

England needed three wickets on the day but had to be patient as the Aussies never give up easy, Steven Smith (54*) with his second Test half century and Peter Siddle (46) with his highest Test score holding out a stubborn partnership of 86 with him and rain interrupting the game on the way.

But England got it all wrapped up before lunch thanks to James Anderson's catch at deep mid-wicket off Graeme Swann to take out Siddle (257-8), followed by the fast bowler's own wicket of Ben Hilfenhaus (7) caught behind (267-9), wicketkeeper Matt Prior's seventh catch of the match and 23rd of the series, and last but not least Tremlett to take the glory of the last wicket and Australia all out for 281, only one run more than in their first innings and still 83 runs behind England's big record bash of 644 the guests completed the previous day.

Alastair Cook got the Man of the Match and Series awards for his record of 766 runs and a massive average of 127.66 this series, which include 82 boundaries (81x4s + 1x6), three centuries including his hit of 189 in Sydney and unbeaten 235 in the opening match draw in Brisbane and two half centuries, which puts him a staggering 196 runs ahead of Mike Hussey in second place on the batting chart.

James Anderson was the bowler of the series with 24 wickets and 50 maidens, seven more wickets than his companion Tremlett, Mitchell Johnson being the top Australian bowler with 15 wickets followed by Siddle with 14 wickets, same as Swann and Steven Finn respectively.

Skipper Andrew Strauss has joined the exclusive list of Sir Leonard Hutton and Mike Brearley to become only the third England captain to win Ashes series at home and away.

Apart from the Waca episode, this series has shown how much work and improvement has gone into the England side and how much has changed since the 5-0 drubbing Down Under 4 years ago. Similar to 24 years ago, their last beating at home, the Aussies will have to rethink and make some major changes to their side if they want to change the downhill trend they have been on over the last couple of years.

Australia v England fifth Test fourth day as it happened:

Highlights taken from the BBC website:

- Australia 213-7: To the strains of "Jerusalem", it's James Anderson to open up, he has two slips and a gully for Steve Smith, who's batting in a sleeveless sweater. Free entry to the SCG today has meant that probably every Brit in New South Wales is there. Anderson is right on the money, Smith blocks out a maiden over.

- Australia 216-7: Chris Tremlett, who bowled quite beautifully yesteday, pings down a bouncer at Peter Siddle, and then has the toothy tail-ender groping outside off stump. Siddle scores the first run of the day when he jams his bat down and the ball squirms away from gully. Smith works a two off his legs, while the National Anthem is sung lustily, conducted by someone in a dress and an Elizabeth II mask.

- Australia 223-7: Cap'n Strauss is chewing gum at first slip, with the look of a hard-bitten Wild West gunslinger waiting to see off some outlaws at High Noon before riding off into the sunset. Tremlett bowls, Siddle gets an edge... but it squirms between third slip and gully, and it was a no-ball anyway. They run two. Ali Cook dons a helmet at short leg, I hope he's cleared space on his mantelpiece for the man of the series award. Siddle pushes a three, he has 24 and that's the fifty stand.

- RAIN STOPS PLAY - Australia 227-7: Siddle is still playing positively, hoicking Tremlett for three with an unorthodox cross-batted heave over the bowler's head. Simon Mann on TMS has noticed some rain... and they're going off! Nooooo.....

- Australia 230-7: Tremlett has to complete his over - two deliveries left. The first is down the leg side, the second is turned off his legs by Siddle... just wide of the man at square leg, and they run a double.

- Australia 252-7: Siddle pushes Swann for a couple of twos, he's on 42 and that's his highest Test score - beating the 40 he scored at Melbourne. "He's definitely got all-rounder potential," notes Vic Marks on TMS.

- WICKET, Siddle c Anderson b Swann 43 (Australia 257-8): Siddle swats Swann to leg, and it's straight down Anderson's throat in front of the Barmy Army at deep mid-wicket! One down, two to go...

- Australia 257-8: Ben Hilfenhaus is the new batsman, but he's not on strike as they crossed on the catch. Andrew the scorer reveals that Ponting and Clarke (combined) average 19.18 for the series, while Siddle averages 19.25.

- Australia 261-8 - NEW BALL AVAILABLE: Hilfenhaus is stout in defence against Bresnan, with three slips and a gully waiting for that edge. Gentle Ben is off the mark with a fluent cover drive for three, Smith moves on to 41 with a single (his highest Test score is 77 against Pakistan at Headingley last year). And the second new ball is available.

- APPEAL - NOT OUT - Australia 266-8 - NEW BALL TAKEN: Interesting move - the new ball is taken, but it's Chris Tremlett rather than James Anderson brandishing the new cherry. Smith heaves towards deep backward square leg, but safely, and they run a single. "I think Hilfenhaus may have a bit of a swish", says Vic Marks on TMS. The big seamer leg-glances a loose delivery from Tremlett for four, and England's lead is now under 100. Hilfenhaus is hit on the pad, there's an appeal... but it looked high. No review (we've not had many in this Test, to be honest).

- WICKET, Hilfenhaus c Prior b Anderson 7 (Australia 267-9): Single from Smith, Hilfenhaus nicks one and Anderson collects his 24th wicket of the series! Start the car - England are one wicket from winning the series!

- SMITH FIFTY - Australia 280-9: Smith rocks back and cuts Anderson for four, that's his second Test fifty from 85 balls. Smith's batting is more artisan than artist, an ugly shot brings him a single, and Beer survives once more.

- WICKET, Beer b Tremlett 2 (Australia 281 all out): The Barmies are still on their feet, Smith smears Tremlett to deep square leg but then refuses to take the single. The youngster is all ugly cross-batted strokes, one of which brings him a single, then Beer is bowled by Tremlett - edging onto his stumps - and it's all over!

CHAMPAGNE MOMENT: ENGLAND WIN FIFTH TEST BY AN INNINGS AND 83 RUNS, AND WIN THE ASHES 3-1!

Cook builds England reply after Aussie revival

Sports - Cricket - Ashes - 5th Test - Sydney - Day 2

My picks of the second day:

Mitchell Johnson (53) and Ben Hilfenhaus (34) made a fine revival for Australia with a smashing 76-partnership in 15 overs after the home side fell from 134-4 to 189-8 on day two of the fifth Test in Sydney. Australia were eventually all out for 280 and saw England openers Andrew Strauss (60 off 58) and Alastair Cook smash in a 98-partnership before the skipper fell. England dropped a couple more wickets before the end of the day, leaving Cook unbeaten on 61 and England on 167-3.

Run of Play: Advantage to...

1st session, Australia 230-8 at lunch: After losing four wickets for only 55 runs, Johnson and Hilfenhaus survived and performed a good recovery, sparing Australia from a total collapse and an embarrassing low total.

2nd session, Australia 280 all out, England 73-0, 207 behind at tea: England finally broke the Johnson-Hilfenhaus partnership and Australia fell all out soon after. England will be happy with their strong opening partnership and start of reply.

3rd session, England 167-3, 113 behind at the end of day two: England frustrated Australia, no decisions going the hosts' way and the batsmen making it as difficult as possible for the bowlers whilst keeping the scoreboard ticking and opener Cook holding and scoring on well.

Partnerships: England must have gone into the day thinking they will be batting before lunch not expecting the 76-run partnership with a smashing half-century innings by Johnson (53) and fine contribution from Hilfenhaus (34). Once Johnson fell, bowled by Tim Bresnan, Hilfenhaus followed soon after, caught behind off James Anderson and Australia were all out for 280, a more respectable total than feared and expected by the home side after collapsing to 189-8. England in reply made a fine opening with skipper Strauss smashing in 60 off 58 and a 98 partnership with Cook, who is still standing on 61 after being given out on 46, caught at mid-on off debutant spinner Michael Beer, but reviews showed it was a no-ball. After Strauss was eventually bowled by Hilfenhaus, Jonathan Trott followed soon after also bowled by Johnson and out for his first duck, it looked like Hilfenhaus and Johnson were there to spoil the show for England again. But Kevin Pietersen (36) calmed England's nerves and evened things out again with a fine little stint before he was caught by Beer from the long-leg boundary off Johnson and nightwatchman Anderson had to take over.

Bowlers: Hilfenhaus (34 runs and 1 wicket) and Johnson (53 runs and 2 wickets) are without a doubt the stars of the day, with bat and ball, sparing Australia from total embarrassment and leaving them in this match with more than a shout. Beer got his debut wicket too - on a no-ball, which is unforgivable for a spinner! It was most certainly not all sweetness and light and saviour for the Aussies as England smashed and bashed in well enough to frustrate and sour the taste for them. Anderson took four wickets including the last one with Hilfenhaus. Paul Collingwood and Bresnan contributed with one each, the latter getting the most crucial break and victim with Johnson. They all made it a juicy, action-packed day, see how and against whom it will turn tomorrow...

Ups: Just when you thought the Aussies were on their knees, their lower-order decides to smash and spoil the show and make a match of it - that makes one perfect, spicy encounter!

Downs: I can't find one thing to moan about really, makes a change!

Hero to zero: From centurion, record scorer and man of the match to zero, Trott will not want to remember this one. After just six deliveries, the duck left the field after dragging the ball onto his stumps and left fears of a crumble for England. It all belongs to the game and every strong player has had it and has to come back stronger from it. It all belongs to the experience - ask most of the Australian batsmen!

Australia v England fifth Test second day as it happened:

Highlights taken from the BBC website:

1st session:

- WICKET, Haddin c Prior b Anderson 6 (Australia 143-5): Haddin with a proud looking punch into the covers for two as the sun makes its maiden appearance in this match. Anderson gets a spot of in-duck that tucks Haddin up... and he's gone next ball! Feet staked to the turf, a wild and windy waft outside off and Prior has him on toast.

- DRINKS BREAK, Australia 158-5: Smith remaining watchful against Swann, just the one run from his over, a squirt down to fine-leg for one. Bresnan to continue and he tests Smith out with a bit of chin music - not particularly well-played, an attempted hook without much control. One run for it, here comes the drinks cart...

- WICKET, Hussey b Collingwood 33 (Australia 171-6): Collingwood drags one in short and Hussey's rocks back and tugs him away for a couple. I was introduced to The Only Way Is Essex over the Yuletide period... SHUT UP DIRS, COLLINGWOOD'S CLEANED UP HUSSEY! Nothing shot from Hussey, inside-edge onto pad, stumps splattered...

- WICKET, Smith c Collingwood b Anderson 18 (Australia 187-7): Sorry Aussies, I just jinxed your boy - awful shot from Smith, looking to trolley Anderson over cover and edging to Collingwood at third slip...

- WICKET, Siddle c Strauss b Anderson 2 (Australia 189-8): England keep picking up wickets at the right time, and the Aussies aren't exactly making them graft for them - poor shots from Haddin, Hussey and Smith, who handed Anderson his 19th wicket of the series. Siddle squirts through imaginary fourth slip for a couple and he's gone two balls later, edging to Strauss at first slip - England dropping nothing.

- INTERVAL, LUNCH - Australia 230-8: Tremlett loses his line and Johnson fills his boots, tickling the ball to the boundary. Tremlett goes leg-side again and Johnson heaves him away for one more before Hilfenhaus edges past Bresnan at gully for one. Not sure why Bresnan's at gully - they started off with KP, then it was Anderson, now it's Bresnan. That's lunch, the Aussies throwing back before the break...

2nd session:

- MITCHELL JOHNSON 50 - Australia 261-8: Johnson getting stuck into Swann now - first he hoicks him through mid-wicket for four before upping the volume, heaving him over the top for six. And there's his fifty - neat shot that, a checked dab into the leg-side. The SCG crowd rises, Mitchell has given them hope...

- WICKET, Johnson b Bresnan 53 (Australia 265-9): Two more for Johnson, who now has six Test fifties, courtesy of a drive into the covers before Hilfenhaus misses out with an attempted hook. Bresnan gives him the look, Hilfenhaus grins and shrugs... Johnson's gone two balls later! Bresnan with a ball that comes back a touch and he rips out Johnson's off-stump.

- WICKET, Hilfenhaus c Prior b Anderson 34 (Australia 280): That's all folks - Anderson does the trick with his first ball since lunch, Hilfenhaus having a woof at a short ball and feathering to Prior behind the stumps...

- Very irritating runs from Johnson and Hilfenhaus, from an England point of you, very valuable from an Aussie point of you - it's late runs like that that can make all the difference...

- APPEAL - NOT OUT, England 20-0: Bored of full inswingers, Hilfenhaus switches to bouncers and watches Strauss pull both of them for four. Back to plan A? Indeed, and here's an lbw appeal but that's not out and there's no review. We still haven't had a review in the match which means umpires Bowden and Dar are on hot form.

- England 50-0: Siddle to continue and he does what Michael Vaughan thinks he should do, ploughing a line on the top of off-stump. Watson doing some stretches, we could have him into the attack soon. Cook leaving well, and as Watson has already shown, that's a pretty good shot on this pitch... so is that, a swivel-pull to bring up the fifty partnership in only 10 overs.

- INTERVAL, TEA - England 73-0: That is crackerjack from Strauss - over-pitched from Siddle and the England skipper laces him through the covers for four. Laminate that and stick it up on your bedroom ceiling. That's tea time, what a session for England, the momentum ripped back from the hosts - for now...

3rd session:

- WICKET, Strauss b Hilfenhaus 60 (England 98-1): Strauss is a goner! Hilfenhaus has been threatening to do that, getting the ball to swing back in to the England skipper before nipping it away off the seam and ripping out off-stump - to be fair, almost unplayable.

- WICKET, Trott b Johnson 0 (England 99-2): Too straight from Johnson and Cook nurdles him for a single... TROTT'S GONE! One wicket brings another, as often happens in cricket, the Warwickshire man dangling his bat and dragging Johnson on...

- DRINKS BREAK, England 118-2: One for Cook before Pietersen slams a size 12 down the pitch and laces Hilfenhaus through the covers for four. Drinks.

- UMPIRE REVIEW: A first Test wicket for Beer?! Cook looking to heave him over mid-wicket and holing out to the man at mid-on! Hang on a minute! The umpires are going upstairs, Bowden reckons it could be a no-ball! Surely not, he's spinner after all... NOT OUT, England 145-2: Deary me, Umpire Bowden's got it right, Beer overstepped - that is unforgivable from a spinner, and a huge boon for England. Not only is it a life for Cook, Beer will feel as though he's just had his head skimmed off. Cook picks up one to mid-wicket before Pietersen picks up a couple with a flick off his pads. Big moment...

- WICKET, Pietersen c Beer b Johnson 36 (England 165-2): PIETERSEN'S GONE! A well-directed bumper from Johnson, KP throws the bat at it and your man Beer takes the catch running in from the long-leg boundary. He's just not learning...

- CLOSE OF PLAY, England 167-3: Johnson with the final six balls of the day... short-leg wheeled into place, as well as a leg slip, three slips, two gullys and a short extra cover - and that's horrible from Johnson, short and fast and Anderson plays that very, very well. That's a ripper from Johnson but Anderson plays it well again, dropping his hands on it and watching it scoot through... well played James Anderson, real tough situation that and he acquitted himself well - stumps.

England thrash Australia to retain the Ashes

Sports - Cricket - Ashes - 4th Test - Melbourne - Day 4

My picks of the fourth day:

England have retained the Ashes for the first time in 24 years by thrashing Australia by an innings and 157 runs. It is their biggest win against their bitter rivals since 1956 and made Ricky Ponting the first Australian skipper in 120 years to lose the Ashes three times. Whilst he is out of the last Test and doubtful for keeping the captaincy in general, England captain Andrew Strauss is a proud man and hopeful his side can win the series emphatically by avoiding defeat in the fifth and final Test in Sydney starting on Sunday.

Run of Play: Advantage to...

Australia 258 all out, England beat Australia by an innings and 157 runs: It was only a question of when not if the Aussies would fall and England could celebrate...

Partnerships: Australia resumed batting on day four on 169-6, England needing only three wickets to tie up and finish the match and series successfully with Ryan Harris unable to bat due to injury. Mitchell Johnson (6) fell quickly bowled and beaten by Chris Tremlett's reverse swing (Australia 172-7). But Brad Haddin (55*) and Peter Siddle (40) created a bit of a fight back with a partnership of 86, postponing the inevitable by an hour-and-a-bit. But when Siddle fell, Ben Hilfenhaus (0) followed soon after and after finally getting Australia all out for 258, England were able to let the fun and celebrations begin.

Bowling: Tremlett, Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan took a wicket each on the day making it five and six wickets in the match for the two fast bowlers respectively. Although the bowlers did a great job in the whole match, each chipping in with wickets, James Anderson also with five and Swann finding a bit of his form back with two, batsman Jonathan Trott won the man-of-the-match award and deservedly so for his unbeaten 168 score he contributed to England's staggeringly score of 513 and unreachable lead of 415.

Ups: For the first time I can remember (I was only 1 the last time this happened) England have retained the Ashes and won it Down Under! I am definitely going to buy this DVD-set, that is for sure!!!

Downs: The attendance has fallen just as drastically as and with the Aussies from 84,345 on day one, it went down to 67,149/68,773 the next couple of days and then plummeted to 19,889 on day four. And as far as I could tell, 99% of them were all part of the Barmy Army, chanting and celebrating on!

Hero to zero: It has been confirmed this morning that Aussies skipper Ricky Ponting has been ruled out of the Sydney Test due to aggravation of the fracture to the little finger of his left hand. Michael Clarke will replace him as skipper and Usman Khawaja will make his Test debut with the bat. After scoring only 113 runs in eight innings and averaging only 16.14 this series, I am not too sure whether it Ponting's injury is the only reason which excludes him from Australia's team sheet and would not be surprised if that is the last we have seen of him, as the Aussie skipper at least...

Australia v England fourth Test fourth day as it happened:

Highlights taken from the BBC website:

- WICKET, Johnson bowled Tremlett 6 (Australia 172-7): Brad Haddin is a sinewy character, with uncomplicated with a see-it-and-hit-it philosophy to batting, punching a lovely meaty straight drive past bowler Chris Tremlett towards the mid-on boundary, but Alastair Cook makes an excellent parry to cut the runs down to a single. But Mitchell Johnson's stay ends when he is cleaned up by a Chris Tremlett delivery. It's started...

- Australia 210-7: Siddle gets in on the boundary-scoring antics with an aerial thump over mid-off before adopting similar tactics with a chop over gully down to deep point off Tremlett, who wears the expression of a man who can't quite work out whether he locked the back door before flying out to Australia. Meanwhile, Sid El moves to 14 from 25 deliveries. Decent fight from this eight-wicket duo. Well played.

- DRINKS BREAK, Australia 237-7: Wonderful drift from Swann, moving away from Haddin's bat before turning sharply off the wicket, mesmeric bowling, a real pleasure to watch. Just a single to Haddin from the over and he moves on to 48. A beverage break.

- WICKET, Siddle c Pietersen b Swann 40 (Australia 258-8): Siddle goes for the big guns again and launches another huge swat high into the air, but he doesn't get enough willow to clear the ropes as Kevin Pietersen takes a smart catch just centimetres from the boundary ropes. Get your drink of choice on the go, we're almost there...

- WICKET, Hilfenhaus c Prior b Bresnan 0 (Australia 258-9): That's it - start the car! ENGLAND HAVE RETAINED THE ASHES! Hilfenhaus edges a simple catch to Matt Prior for Tim Bresnan's fourth wicket of the innings. The celebrations have begun - let the fun begin... ENGLAND BEAT AUSTRALIA BY AN INNINGS AND 157 RUNS.

England fightback is full on at the Gabba

Sports - Cricket - Ashes - 1st Test - Brisbane - Day 4

My picks of the fourth day:

England fought back hard, skipper Andrew Strauss with his first century in Australia and his opening partner Alastair Cook also reaching a landmark century, his 14th, the first time since 1938 that both England openers have reached a century against Australia, Charlie Barnett and Len Hutton the last ones at Trent Bridge. It was a day to forget and a tale of woes for the Aussies, just one wicket from it, a lot of missed chances, slip-ups and mis-haps, England finishing the day on 309-1, 88 ahead.

Run of Play: Advantage to...

1st session, England 135-0, 86 behind, at lunch: England will be the happier to have survived the ealy scares, Strauss especially. Australia will wonder how they haven't got the breakthrough yet, nothing going their way, the visitor stayin put and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

2nd session, England 238-1, 17 ahead, at tea: England not showing any signs of backing down or going soft after losing their skipper, batting and scoring on safe and sound, Australia missing more chances, the day backfiring on them big time.

3rd session, England 309-1, 88 ahead, at the end of day four: England ending the day smoothly, not going too OTT on the bat, just keeping it going constantly, Australia having used up all their reviews just looking more and more desperate. It's like day three in reverse... Apart from the last session that is...

Partnerships: Strauss and Cook didn't quite get to emulate Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin, but at least they set out a good platform for England bat on, showing the Aussies that the guests are not there to crumble at the first challenge. They didn't quite flash and thrash it but that would have been too risky. They just kept at it nice and neatly, a couple of shouts and scares but the trend just showed it was going their way. Strauss then got himself out in silly fashion, maybe a bit over-confident after reaching the century, coming forward to attack a shot, too far out, nearly halfway down the pitch and ended up stumped by Haddin off Marcus North. Shame ending to an exemplary innings which you felt could and should have gone on for another couple of session if he could and would have resisted temptation. Jonathan Trott came in to join Cook, had a couple of close shaves too but is looking to be building up a good partnership with Cook too.

Bowling: It just wasn't Mitchell Johnson's day - dropping a catch, getting nothing out of the ball. North got the only wicket of the day, the man of the first innings Peter Siddle getting close calls but not much more out of the pitch either, same for Ben Hilfenhaus and Xavier Doherty. Australia used up their reviews desperate for wickets, wasting them on a couple of obvious not-outs. It was just fascinating to see the contrast to their first bowling innings and the similarities to England frustrating bowling innings - the Gabba's pitch is definitely not the bowler's friend.

Ups: What a difference a day makes again! Finally England showed they can be patient, consistent and not waste and give away chances and wickets and make it all too easy for the Aussies like in the Aussies. Finally it looks more like a competition - although a draw seems like the most likely result.

Downs: I hope it won't end up a draw - either way, both sides have played their hearts out so deserve more out of it... I know it's not possible to give both of them a win, but this match just deserves more than a draw...

Hero to zero: I think the Australian bowlers will be feeling like they have woken up to the wrong film in contrast to the first innings. They thought they were all ruling and cruising, just to be pegged back by the English batsmen - as mentioned, the Gabba is definitely not on the bowlers' fave list...

Australia v England first Test day four summary:

1st session:

31 overs bowled this morning, England 135-0, 86 runs behind, after 46 overs, Strauss on 79, Cook 51 at lunch. The skipper will be glad he got away with the chance he gave away earlier, Mitchell Johnson dropping him. Cook meanwhile is looking solid and backing up Strauss well, both left-handers enjoying their share of boundaries on the onside. Mitchell Johnson is still struggling to find his Test form on the field and with the ball whilst Siddle and Haddin are trying to pace it up and get something out of the pitch, but failing so far. England definitely the happier side after the start of the day.

2nd session:

England 238-1 at tea from, 17 ahead. Strauss out for 110 (224), 15 fours, 0 sixes. The skipper got himself out in silly fashion, maybe a bit over-confident after reaching the century, he came forward to attack a shot, too far out, nearly halfway down the pitch and got stumped by the wicketkeeper Brad Haddin off Marcus North. Shame ending to an exemplary innings which you felt could and should have gone on for another couple of session if he could and would have resisted temptation. Cook is on 98* (200), 8 fours, 0 sixes, looking solid and the more responsible backup player, partner you can count on, nothing too flashy or risky. Trott is on 23 (47), 50 partnership of 71 balls at the break, see what the two can build up together and what Australia can change and do with the new ball due in two overs after the break.

3rd session:

Cook reaches his 14th test century, his second against Australia in the second over of the session, just before the new ball is due. This is the first time since 1938 that both England openers have reached a century, Charlie Barnett and Lan Hutton. Cook 103* off 207, 9 fours. New ball available to the Aussies now and taken, Hilfenhaus v Trott after they have given the uneven pitch a workover. Chance missed: catch slipped through Siddle's hands, couldn't quite get there, went through and past him for four instead. England 255-1, lead by 34 runs after 3 overs of the last session, reach their 30th boundary in the next over thanks to Trott now on 32*. Dropped by Clarke at backward-point on 34, the ball bounces out of Clarke's finger tips when he hits the floor, Siddle was already celebrating, good dive, stretch and effort, no luck for the Aussies (we know the feeling!), England 265-1, 44 ahead. 309-1 at the end of day four, 88 ahead.