Brisbane: Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook shared a 188-run opening stand to lead England to 238-1 at tea on the fourth day as the tourists worked to save the first Ashes Test against Australia.
The pair produced England's best ever partnership at the Gabba ground before Strauss was dismissed for 110, stumped by Brad Haddin.
Cook was 98 not out the break with Jonathan Trott on 23. England now have a lead of 17 runs.
Resuming on 79 after lunch, Strauss timed a superb late cut for four off Xavier Doherty to earnthe England captain his first Test century in Australia.
England's previous best partnership at the Gabba came in 1994 when Graeme Hick and Graham Thorpe's shared 160 runs.
England scored 260 in its first innings. Australia replied with 481.