First Ashes Test, Brisbane:
England 260 & 309-1 v Australia 481 (day four, stumps)
Dates: 25-29 November Final day starts: 2345 GMTCoverage: Listen live to Test Match Special on BBC 5 live sports extra, Radio 4 LW and online (UK only). Watch live on Sky Sports 1, highlights on ITV 4
Match scorecard

Strauss ended a run of 13 Tests without a century

England's Andrew Strauss has not even considered the possibility of a final day declaration in the Brisbane Test.

Having looked probable losers, England produced a stunning turnaround to reach 309-1, leading Australia by 88 runs.

But Strauss, who hit 110, said: "We don't like to look too far ahead. So much can happen in this game.

"It's a case of carrying on tomorrow like we did on day four. It was a big day for us, we had to come out and get back into the match and we did that."

After captain Strauss, vice-captain Alastair Cook (132 not out) and Jonathan Trott (54 no) left England cosily placed, the skipper allowed himself to reflect on his dismissal to the third ball of the match back on Thursday.

He said: "It was probably one of the worst feelings I have had in cricket following all the build-up to the game."

Having put right that embarrassing duck with his efforts on Sunday, he added: "It was obviously important the two of us stood up and batted for the majority of the day. That gives us the psychological advantage going into the final day.

"Saturday night was pretty tricky, but coming out this morning the ball was a bit older."

Strauss's policy of attacking Australia's two spinners paid off effectively, the skipper explaining: "It's always important you don't go too much into your shell. There's not a lot of turn there on this wicket.

"Australia went after Graeme Swann well and it was important for us to do the same thing."

Cook added: "It was very satisfying. I said at the start of the tour I had a point to prove. In my last two series against Australia I hadn't done that well.

"Over the last 12 months I've had a bit of a tinker with my technique and tried to improve it. I'm very happy with the results today."

Cook's immediate goal on Monday will be to knock off the seven more runs he needs to record England's best individual score at the Gabba, surpassing Ian Botham's innings in 1986.

Despite appearances, and the fact they took just one wicket all day, Australian all-rounder Shane Watson said his team had enjoyed a "pretty solid day".

Watson added: "The pitch is playing pretty well, the last two days are probably the best time to bat. Results weren't ideal, we were not able to build as much pressure as we would have liked, but we bowled some good balls and beat the bat quite a bit as well.

"Strauss and Cook batted beautifully, we felt in the game through the whole day, but we couldn't hold a catch either which didn't help.

"We still believe that if we get a few early wickets in the morning and can sustain the pressure there's a lot of life yet on day five."

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