Australia vs. England- 1st Ashes Test- Day 5 Preview

If ever anyone needed to know why the Ashes are as hyped up as it is, they need only have watched this series opener to understand.

If Australia, on the other hand, ever needed any convincing of England desire to take this series, they were given a day-long example yesterday, as Cook and  Strauss hit magnificent centuries to give the visitors a fantastic chance of saving the opening Test in Brisbane.

The openers headed out knowing that a monumental, and more importantly, time consuming, partnership was essential. And they delivered, as when Strauss departed for 110, the 188 run partnership had taken up much of the day and almost wiped out the first innings deficit set by the hosts.

More importantly for England, their number three Jonathan Trott, showed continuity and confidence assisting Cook in adding a further 121 for the second wicket.

Cook ended unbeaten on 132 and England held a lead of 88 when bad light brought proceedings to a close.

Not even in Ponting's worst nightmares would he have envisaged his side managing only one wicket in the entire day, but that was the reality as the hosts showed serious fragility with a mediocre bowling attack.

Australia struggled in the field with dropped catches-Strauss put down by Mitchell Johnson on 69, while Cook gave a much more difficult opportunity to Peter Siddle at fine leg on 103.

There is still an entire day’s play for the home side to force something here, but nothing in their bowling attack has even hinted that they have the firepower to succeed.

England's opening pair managed to knock off a few records during the day, including the visitors' highest stand at the Gabba, and the best opening effort by any touring team in Brisbane.

On the Aussie end- Mitchell Johnson- hailed as the spearhead of the hosts’ attack struggled the entire day, and might even come under review for the second test. He could not find his line and length, and was caught half asleep when putting down a sitter from Strauss just after lunch.

Trott played positively upon reaching the middle, while Cook resigned himself to the anchor role that England have so desperately needed in the past.

Trott proved an excellent companion for Cook hitting a classic cover-drive for four off Johnson to take England into the lead, and the pair of the them were able to raise a solid 50-run stand just before tea.

As mentioned previously, this match was Australia’s to lose, and a mediocre and inspirited performance yesterday proved that.

Even when the new ball was taken moments after the tea break, there was not enough spark from the Australians, and as a result Cook and Trott continued to find life rather comfortable.

The second wicket 100-run stand was raised when Cook mercilessly pulled an out of touch Johnson for yet another boundary.

There were no real surprises when the batsmen decided to close play when offered the light, however the real shock was the hosts’ body language that clearly suggested that they too were relieved to be heading to the dressing room.

This Ashes series is only four days in and is already showing the grit, determination and drama that have underlined so many series before.

England preformed beautifully, and one would imagine that despite the opening day heroics of Peter Siddle, the final day will belong to England in salvaging a draw.

While Australia will not lose this test, England will salvage a draw, and head confidently to Adelaide knowing that the old foe is there for the taking.