Trott ton puts England in sight of Ashes glory

England (332 and 373-9 dec) lead Australia (160 & 80-0) by 465 runs: England are on course to win back the Ashes after Jonathan Trott's century on debut turned the screw on Australia.

After Stuart Broad's heroics with the ball on Friday England were determined to make their advantage tell and a mixture of gritty and flamboyant batting saw them progress to 373 before declaring. Trott, who made 119, was ably assisted by the lower order after Andrew Strauss fell for 75. Graeme Swann contributed 63 as Australia were left needing a seemingly impossible target of 546.

However, Shane Watson and Michael Katich guided Australia to 80 without loss at the close.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

Vic Marks, Observer: "In this series Australia seem to have scored most of the runs; they can boast seven centuries to England's two (it was one until Jonathan Trott's superb effort today ). They seem to have taken most of the wickets as well. The top three wicket-takers are all in the touring party. And yet England are on the threshold of regaining the Ashes, which would be some heist."

Simon Wilde, Sunday Times: "For the second time in four years at The Oval a South African-born cricketer has taken England to within tantalising reach of regaining the Ashes, lost in Australia in December 2006. Jonathan Trott's workmanlike century in the fifth and final npower Test match yesterday may have lacked the panache and daredevilry of Kevin Pietersen's 158 on the same ground in 2005 but it could prove every bit as valuable in purpose."

Scyld Berry, Sunday Telegraph: "This Ashes series has not been so dramatic as the one in 2005 because fewer great players have been involved and the overall standard has been lower. But it will be an even finer achievement if England finish off Australia today or tomorrow, and regain the Ashes 2-1, because England have been almost completely outplayed in two of the five Tests and shown the utmost resilience."