Cook, Trott And Pietersen Hand England Lead

Cook, Trott And Pietersen Hand England Lead

Alastair Cook raises his bat to celebrate his second century in a row

©Action Images / Jason O'Brien Livepic

Australia 245 (Hussey 93, Haddin 56) v
England 317-2 (Cook 136no, Pietersen 85no)
Second Ashes Test, Adelaide, day two
Scorecard

Alastair Cook's second Ashes century in as many innings, allied with half-centuries from Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen, helped England surge clear of Australia on day two of the second Test in Adelaide.

Cook was unbeaten on 136 as England closed the day on 317 for two - a lead of 72 - having dominated proceedings despite losing Andrew Strauss to the third ball  of the day in reply to Australia's 245.

Strauss (1) shouldered arms to a straight ball from Doug Bollinger that cannoned into middle and leg but thereafter England held sway.

Trott got off the mark with a boundary, took advantage of being dropped early by Mike Hussey and went on to make 78 in 144 balls, putting on 173 for the secoond wicket with Cook before Ryan Harris had him caught by Michael Clarke.

Cook then reached his third Ashes century, and 15th overall as he and Pietersen added an unbroken stand of 141 for the third wicket.

Pietersen's return to form saw him make 85 in 141 balls, stroking 13 fours along the way.

England had resumed the day on one without loss after they dismissed Australia for 245 on the opening day, their charge led by James Anderson, who returned four for 51 to help reduce Australia to nought for two and two for three in the morning session.

The opening Test at Brisbane was drawn.

© Cricket World 2010

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