third test, day four

0716: Another good session for England, but they need to have another good one before they can start even thinking about escaping from this game with a draw or even a victory that would surely rank as the greatest in Test history.

Very long way off of course, but at least it's a notion being considered thanks to the fightback from Cook and Bell.

0647: Australia briefly touched 1/3 before Ian Bell was finally dismissed for the unlucky Australian number 87. It was a fine innings from Bell, but England needed so much more froma batsman who had done the hard work and got himself through the tough times. Now the attention turns to Alastair Cook, who must ensure he continues to bat just as he has been thus far.

0610: Another wicketless hour after lunch, and England must just be starting to entertain thoughts of getting out of here alive. The bookies certainly think so with the home side still drifting. After starting the day at 1/40, an Australian victory is now available at 2/7. Watch that price vanish when a wicket falls. DT>

0555: England still look ludicrously short to me at around 6/1. But you can now get Australia to win at 1/4. And I thought 1/6 was generous. DT

0450: England have done very, very well in the morning session on day four, but they still need to bat another five sessions to win or draw this match.

So odds as short as 5/1 on an England victory appear nonsensical. And I'm sure plenty of big-hitters will be getting involved on generous odds of 1/6 for Australia to complete a victory here.

They might have to wait until day five to do it, but do it they will.

Back to this morning, and it was refreshing to see England's mindset this morning. Bell in particular has looked to be positive whenever possible, and his tussle with Warne is shaping up to be a corker.

What a shame England didn't adopt this approach of controlled aggression in Adelaide... Dave Tickner