The Ashes: First Test Drawn in Brisbane

England and Australia played out a record-breaking draw in the First Ashes Test in Brisbane as Alastair Cook led from the front for the tourists.

After losing captain Andrew Strauss for a third-ball duck in a match which he won the toss and opted to bat, critics were already sharpening their pencils. But Alastair Cook (67) and Ian Bell (76) guided England to a below par 260 as Peter Siddle ran through the tourists with 6-54.

Xavier Docherty picked up 2-41 on his Test Debut but Mitchell Johnson went wicketless.

After a solid opening stand, the Aussies looked in a little trouble at 143-5, but step up Michael Hussey (195) and Brad Haddin (136) to put the hosts in the driving seat with a mammoth 307-run partnership.

However, England fought back taking 5-31 to dismiss the Australia tail, Steven Finn taking 6-125 while Graeme Swann (2-128) and James Anderson (2-99) also chipped in.

England started their second innings 221 runs behind, and after Ben Hilfenhaus nearly sent the England captain on his way to a first-ball pair, the Barmy Army could have been forgiven for getting a bit nervous.

What followed was record-breaking, as Cook scored his maiden double century in Test Cricket, putting on 188 for the first wicket with the only man to go, Andrew Strauss for 110. 

Cook (235 not out) then put on a unbeaten 329-run partnership with Jonathan Trott (135 not out), who has now scored two second innings hundreds in two matches against Australia, and it was the first time the top three had scored Ashes tons.

All the doubts about Cook have faded for now after he surpassed Sir Don Bradman for the highest individual score at the Gabba, and outscored Matthew Hayden's match total the 2002-03 series.

England finally declared on 517-1, a total unlikely to be repeated soon and with a draw secure.

On a flat pitch, Simon Katich lost his wicket for just four, but Ricky Ponting (51) and Shane Watson (41) guided the home side to 107-1 before the captains shook hands on a remarkable draw.

Nicknamed the "Gabbatoir" for Australia's superb record in Brisbane, England will be happy to take the draw, especially after the first innings scores. Plenty of batting positives for both sides but the bowlers struggled, except for Siddle's first innings efforts, and are unlikely to have it much easier in the Adelaide Test Match starting on Thursday night (UK time). 

Australia have called up Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris as Mitchell Johnson and Xavier Docherty must fear for their places as both teams try and find the formula to take 20 wickets.

So, one Test gone and still all square England have already done better than last time, but will be looking to build on their momentum in Adelaide.