England Cook-ing on gas, as visitors move closer to historic win

Firstly, a Happy New Year to my readers. I trust you all had a safe Christmas period, and a great start to the New Year.

England were on course on Day 3 in Sydney for a series win, the first win down under in 24 years as Alastair Cook and Ian Bell both recorded first-class centuries, as England finished the day at 488-7.

Cook entered the record books yesterday, spending a patient 36 hours at the crease throughout the Ashes series, becoming the second highest prolific run scorer down under, behind Wally Hammond.

Cook was eventually dismissed on 189, despite having a decision referred on 99 after Phillip Hughes, fielding at 'short leg', claimed a catch off the bowling of debutant Michael Beer. Hughes (right, in helmet), celebrated hesitantly, before looking at his team mates and opting to go up for a wicket. Evidence shows the ball touched the ground first, much to the disgust of Sir Ian Botham.

With two day left of the Ashes series, England were very much favourites to take the match. Australia captain Michael Clarke will probably be left to rue his decision to bat first, on a wicket which favoured the seamers, most notably England's, as Australia's tailend were left to pick up the pieces left by the host's top order.

Usman Khawaja and Michael Beer made their Test debut at the SCG, replacing Ricky Ponting and the injured Ryan Harris respectively.

Batting first, Shane Watson and Phillip Hughes look to hit the gas quicker than usual. Hughes, the main instigator, influenced a 55 run partnership for the first wicket, before falling to Tremlett on 31. Immediately, Khawaja stamped his authority on the game, slapping a short pitched delivery off the Surrey pace-man, then hooking the second, with attacking intent.

For the Aussie's, Khawaja seemed to be a breath of fresh air. He and Watson produced another 50 partnership, before Watson falling to Bresnan for 45. Clarke soon departed 4, again off Bresnan, which has turned out to be a torrid series for the stand in skipper. Michael Hussey, who had a quiet 4th Test, was dismissed by Paul Collingwood for 33, after an inside edge saw his bails removed.

Wicket-keeper Brad Haddin could only make 6 as Steven Smith scored 18, before a late onslaught by Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus saw Australia go from 189-8 to 265-9, before Johnson was bowled by Bresnan. Hilfenhaus was eventually removed for 34, with Beer remaining not out out on 2.

England's reply went well. With a swinging Kookaburra ball, Strauss and Cook looked steady and comfortable, frustrating Johnson and Hilfenhaus in the process. England captain Strauss has not converted a 50 to 100 yet, after he made 60 as England lost their first wicket on 98.

Hot-shot Jonathan Trott fell for a five-ball duck, his first of the series, to a Mitchell Johnson delivery. Cook was then joined by Kevin Pietersen, who hasn't really excelled since he produced that magnificent 227 in Adelaide. Pietersen made a start, but was halted at 36, again by Johnson, who was the pick of the bowlers. James Anderson went in as a nightwatchman, with the score on 167/3 accompanying Cook on 61 not out.

Commence Day three, and Hilfenhaus wasn't prepared to wait much longer, banging in the short balls to Anderson (left), but his opposite number played some delightful shots, despite scoring 7. He done his bit, facing 35 balls and staying overnight, protecting Cook.

Collingwood, who hasn't hit top form throughout this summer, looked uncomfortable at the crease, with Johnson swinging the ball from left to right, cramping Collingwood. It was obvious Collingwood was given instructions to get some runs on the board by his skipper. Beer claimed his first Test wicket at the expense of Collingwood, for another disappointing low score of 13. A rash shot; dancing down the track and hitting high into the air, straight down Hilfenhaus throat. But the tail hadn't been reached yet, with Bell to come in.

Bell hasn't really had room to play, despite previous scores of 76, 68* and 53, until this innings. With the score at 226-5, the lead wasn't much. Bell had to form a partnership with Cook and he did just that. Technically correct, and a pleasure to watch, Bell excelled in the warm temperatures, playing each ball on merit.

Cook, in his partnership with Bell, saw one of two controversial decisions go against the hosts on 99. The opener ran two runs to oversee his century. Much to his delight and the team's delight, the Australian's showed no acknowledgement for his knock, which was very disappointing to see.

However for Bell, with glorious shots, to go along with the pristine form he has shown over the summer for club and country, came controversy and a let-off for the Warwickshire batsman.  Smith dropped a chance off his own bowling, as Bell drove straight back at the leg-spinner, before being droped.On 67, it had seemed that Bell had edged behind off Watson. The decision was given, and despite only knowing if he snicked off behind or not, Bell still referred to his partner, new batsman Matt Prior, then to the Umpire. The review system including 'hot spot', showed no signs of an edge, but after Aleem Dar overruled his decision, snickometer showed there WAS a thin inside edge. Bell off the hook, and his intention was now to take advantage and hit that long-awaited century he has been craving.

Cook eventually departed for a phenomenal 189 runs, with Bell caught out on 115, as England reached 488/7 at close of play. Prior heaped more misery by scoring a half-century of his own.

Two days are left to play in this final Test, and with the momentum with England, the Australian's must look to restore pride back into the team and country. A draw at most is a must for Clarke's side, but a defeat looks most likely.

A declaration may be imminent on Day four, but whatever may happen come Day five close, what a winter England and the Barmy Army have had, down under.