Ashes: England 198 for two at tea

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England tightened their grip on the second Ashes Test against Australia with another match-turning stand between Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott on the second day at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

The pair put on 173 runs for the second wicket as England closed in on Australia's modest first innings of 245 in draining heat. At tea, England were 198 for two with Cook unbeaten on 90 and Kevin Pietersen not out 14 to trail Australia by just 47 runs.

Trott had three lives on his way to 78 before his luck finally ran out in the 49th over. He flicked a Ryan Harris lifter to midwicket where Michael Clarke claimed a diving two-handed catch.

Trott was on course for his third century in as many Ashes Tests after his 119 at the fifth Test at The Oval last year and 135 in Brisbane last week. Trott and Cook so far in this series have shared in partnerships totalling 502 runs after their record stand of 329 runs in the first Gabba Test.

Australia's fielding woes continued on a sweltering day in Adelaide, dropping Trott twice and missing a run out. Trott survived after Xavier Doherty was well wide with his throw at the stumps from square leg when he was on six and he was dropped four runs later by Mike Hussey, who could not hold a low two-handed catch in the gully off Doug Bollinger.

Trott got his third life of the innings on 76 when wicketkeeper Brad Haddin fumbled a high two-handed chance down the leg-side off a Harris bouncer in the 47th over.

Australia put down five catches in the drawn Brisbane Test. Cook continued to grow in stature in the series as he neared another century but he needed a review on 64 to bat on after he was given out caught behind attempting to hook Peter Siddle in the 43rd over.

Replays showed that the ball hit Cook's arm rather than his bat and umpire Marais Erasmus reversed his decision. The Australians, defending 245, their lowest Adelaide first innings total for 17 years, started well, removing skipper Andrew Strauss early.

Bollinger, recalled after being left out of the Gabba Test, struck with the third ball of his opening over when Strauss made a serious error of judgment and didn't offer a shot to be bowled for one.

The English skipper was surprised by one that nipped back and collected the top of his off bail to set off celebrations among the Australians.

Australia were dismissed off 85.5 overs after winning the toss on Friday's opening day, their worst performance in the first innings at Adelaide since being bundled out by the West Indies for 213 in 1993.