Cook and Strauss shine in satisfying draw

South Australia 221 & 2 for 48 drew with England XI 8 for 288 dec & 1 for 240 dec (Cook 111*, Strauss 102)
Scorecard

Alastair Cook shrugged off a testing start to the tour with a century while Andrew Strauss displayed more attacking intent as England completed a strong warm-up against South Australia. The hundreds for the openers capped an encouraging three days for the tourists, even though rain limited the bowlers' work on the final afternoon and the contest finished in a draw.

Cook's unbeaten 111 followed Strauss's blazing 102 off 121 balls as they shared a 181-run opening stand that put them in touch ahead of the first Ashes Test on November 25. Strauss declared shortly before lunch at 1 for 240, setting the hosts 380 for a victory which became even more improbable when rain washed out the second session.

James Anderson showed more spark with 2 for 23, removing James Smith to an edge to third slip and seeing Jonathan Trott dive to catch Michael Klinger's pull. Callum Ferguson was on 11 and Daniel Harris on 18 when bad light ended the game.

The only problem with the fine display of the England openers on the second and third days was it prevented Kevin Pietersen from having a bat. Still, there is nothing better for a touring team than having their captain in excellent touch, and Strauss quickly picked up where he left off on Friday.

England re-started from 0 for 94 and Strauss skipped towards his century, his second of the trip. After accelerating with three fours off a Peter George over, Strauss brought up his hundred by launching the spinner Aaron O'Brien to long-on. Three balls later he tried for another big shot off O'Brien and was bowled, departing with 13 fours and four sixes.

Cook, who started the trip with scores of 5, 9 and 32, was more patient and eased his way towards his milestone, although he showed flashes off aggression. His collection of 18 fours included three in a row off Tim Lang to go to 92. He also lifted O'Brien for six to midwicket during his 162-ball stay.

Jonathan Trott was unbeaten on 20 while Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and Ian Bell were unused. It's a minor issue after such a handy all-round performance.