Cook and Trott grind Australia into the ground

First test: England (260 & 517-1) drew with Australia(481 & 107-1) England batsmen Alastair Cook and Jonathon Trott heaped more misery on the Australian bowlers at the Gabba on day five of the first Test, ripping up the record books as they posted a barely credible 517-1 declared in their second innings to save a game that had once looked lost.

The exploits of Cook (unbeaten on 235), Trott (135 not out) and Andrew Strauss (who scored 110) in rescuing England could have severe implications for the rest of the series and the mental state of both teams.

When Cook and Strauss walked out to bat on Saturday afternoon England were in the sort of position from which few teams put up much of a fight, let alone survive. Trailing by 221 they knew they were facing an innings defeat and would have to bat for the best part of two days to save themselves. In the end they did it with extraordinary ease and Australian captain Ricky Ponting was forced to watch as his bowlers managed to take just one wicket in 152 overs.

England began day five on the impressive score of 309-1, but it was a lead of only 88 so they needed to carry on batting, which is exactly what Cook and Trott did. They added a further 208 before Strauss pulled the plug, with their partnership worth 329.

It was England's highest ever partnership in Australia and set a new record for the Gabba (surpassing Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin's 307 in the Australian first innings). Along the way Cook also registered the highest ever Test score in Brisbane, beating one Donald Bradman into second place. It was also the first time since 1924 that the England top three have all scored centuries.

The only saving grace for the hosts was that they got the chance to enjoy some batting of their own after England declared with 41 overs left in the day. When an early end was called after just 26 of those overs and no result in sight, Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson were looking comfortable at the crease, although Simon Katich was back in the hutch after being caught off Stuart Broad for four.

However, the most significant aspect of England's escape will be how if affects Australia physically and mentally ahead of the second Test which starts on Friday. The Australian bowlers will still be drained after their efforts, and Ponting and the selectors must have doubts over their ability to bowl England out, so may be tempted to make changes.

England will be rested and on a high, and there can be no doubt that it is England who will carry the momentum into the game at Adelaide. ·