England salvage some pride

At stumps on an engrossing fourth day, England, needing to bat out almost two days to avoid defeat and facing a monumental 648-run target, were 293 for five with Pietersen unbeaten on 92 and Geraint Jones not out 12.

After three days of suffering Australian domination, inspired by the unorthodox shot-making of Pietersen and the determination of Collingwood, England carried the fight to the Australians, who fielded without their skipper Ricky Ponting, who had treatment on a back injury.

Collingwood had his sights on a third Test century when he advanced down the wicket to Warne on 96 only to be hopelessly stranded and stumped by Adam Gilchrist. His 216-minute knock of 13 fours and two sixes breathed new life into moribund England after three days of total Australian control.

BRIEF SCORES: England 157 038; 293/5 A.Cook 43, P Collingwood 96, K Pietersen batting 92; Warne 4/108. Australia 602/9 decl 038; 202/1 declared in 45.1 overs J.Langer not out 100, M.Hayden run out 37, R Ponting not out 60.