Strauss, Cook centuries turn tide for England

BRISBANE, Australia - England is on course to salvage the opening Ashes Test after a dominant batting display to overturn a massive innings deficit into a mounting lead on the fourth day at the Gabba on Sunday.

England surged back after Saturday's fruitless third day in the field to trail by 221 runs and hit the front on the back of a ground-record stand between skipper Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook.

At the close, the Ashes holders, cheered on by their chanting Barmy Army fans, were 309 for one with Cook unconquered on 132 and Jonathan Trott on 54 to hold an overall lead of 88 runs.