Cook hits double century but Ashes opener drawn

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Brisbane: Australia and England drew the first Ashes test on Monday but the tourists will claim a moral victory after Alastair Cook dominated the last two days with an unbeaten double century to rescue a match that had looked lost.

Cook, who was unbeaten on a career-high 235, and Jonathan Trott, who was 135 not out, had built a record partnership of 329 when captain Andrew Strauss declared England's second innings closed at 571-1 before tea.

Australia, who were 296 runs behind, lost Simon Katich before the break but skipper Ricky Ponting, who hit 51 for his 56th test half century, and opener Shane Watson (41) ushered the hosts safely through the remaining overs to finish on 107 for one.

Text: Reuters

Images: AP

Image: England's not out batsmen Alistair Cook, left, and Jonathan Trott, right, raise their bats as they walk off after England's second innings 1 for 517 declared during the last day of the first Ashes cricket test in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, Nov. 29, 2010.

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