Trott ton puts England in driver’s seat on day two of Boxing Day Ashes Test
By ANIMonday, December 27, 2010
MELBOURNE - Jonathan Trott scored his fifth Test century on Monday to help extend England’ lead to a massive 346 on day two of the Boxing Day Ashes Test in Melbourne.
Trott remained unbeaten on 141 off 278 balls, as the tourists finished the day on 444-5 in response to Australia’s first innings total of 98 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The 29-year-old’s 211-ball hundred was his second for the series, and third in five Tests against Australia.
Earlier in the day, after resuming on 157-0, England were restricted to 170-2 when Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle (3-58 from 26 overs) found the perfect line outside off stump to dismiss Alastair Cook (82) and captain Andrew Strauss (69).
Cook was caught by Shane Watson at first slip, while Strauss edged a ball towards gully, where Mike Hussey took an excellent one-handed catch at full stretch, the BBC reports.
Trott and Kevin Pietersen (51) dashed any hopes of a collapse with a 92-run stand for the third wicket.
However, the momentum again shifted in Australia’s favour when Siddle trapped Pietersen lbw for his third wicket after lunch.
Mitchell Johnson (2-103 form 25 overs) then dismissed Paul Collingwood (eight) and Ian Bell (one) for single-figure scores with almost identical dismissals.
Both men fell for the bouncer sucker-punch, top-edging miscontrolled pulls to fine leg where Siddle took two good catches to leave England at 286-5.
Trott repaired the damage by sharing an unbeaten partnership of 158 for the sixth-wicket with Matt Prior (75 not out).
Another commanding performance on Tuesday would put the tourists on course to secure the victory that would give them a 2-1 series lead, and ensure that they retain the Ashes with just a Test remaining.
Brief Scorecard:
Australia:- Ist innings: 98 (Clarke 20, Hughes 16, Tremlett 4-26)
England:- Ist innings: 444-5 (Trott 141 not out, Cook 82, Siddle 3-58) (ANI)
