Trott strengthens England's grip on Ashes

CRICKET: Jonathan Trott was closing in on a century on his Test debut as England continued to press for an Ashes-clinching win in the fifth and final Test against Australia at the Oval here on Saturday.

England, at tea on the third day, were 290 for seven in their second innings - a lead of 462 runs - in a match where victory would see then win the series 2-1.

Trott was 83 not out and Graeme Swann 34 not out, with part-time Australia spinner Marcus North taking Test-best figures of four for for 98. But the way Swann struck North for two successive fours immediately before the break said much about the state of the game.

South Africa-born Trott shared a fourth-wicket stand of 118 with England captain Andrew Strauss (75) after coming to the crease when the hosts were in trouble at 39 for three.

England at lunch were 157 for a four - a lead of 329 - after Strauss, whose fifty was his second of the match, was out shortly beforehand.

Trott, who made 41 in the first innings, was 50 not out.

Wicket-keeper Matt Prior got off the mark with a cover-driven boundary off fast bowler Peter Siddle but then, attempting a needlessly risky single, was run-out by Simon Katich's direct hit from cover.

Prior's exit brought in Andrew Flintoff, cheered to the wicket by a capacity crowd for what was the all-rounder's final Test innings before his injury-induced retirement from the five-day format.

The 31-year-old lofted North over mid-wicket for four, getting rid of a close-in fielder in the process.

There were three more boundaries before, on 22, Flintoff skied North to Siddle at long-on.

Stuart Broad, the first innings bowling star, got off the mark with a superbly timed four off left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson, which reinforced his credentials as Flintoff's natural successor.

He struck North for several elegant, straight driven boundaries before holing out to Ponting for a 29 featuring five fours.

England resumed Saturday on 58 for three, already a lead of 230,

They were contemplating victory after pace bowler Broad took five for 37 on Friday in reply to England's first innings 332.

Although the pitch was not the ideal batting surface usually associated with the Oval, it was no terror track and the conditions could not explain a third first innings collapse by Australia this series.

AFP