After ending his barren streak on Wednesday, Alastair Cook cashed in to reach 244 not out as England earned a huge lead at the MCG.

Alastair Cook made history with the highest score by a visiting batsman at the MCG, a stunning, unbeaten 244, as England earned a substantial first-innings lead in the fourth Ashes Test.

And down goes a legend #ashes #BoxingDayTest @MRNCricket @Beva3AW @mcg pic.twitter.com/ANMkIx34CB

— Josh Moore (@MooreJosh) December 28, 2017

After resuming on 104 not out, Cook batted throughout day three and brought up his fifth Test double-hundred in the company of Stuart Broad (56) during an entertaining ninth-wicket partnership of exactly 100.

England – 3-0 down in the series and seeking to avoid a whitewash – ultimately closed on 491-9, Cook having overhauled Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brian Lara to move up to sixth on the list of all-time Test run-scorers.

THE HEADLINES

– Cook, who had made just 83 runs in the series prior to this match, ended day three with a new highest score against Australia, surpassing the unbeaten 235 he made in Brisbane seven years ago. At stumps on Thursday, he had faced 409 deliveries and struck 27 fours.

209 for Cook – That is now the highest score for a visiting player on the MCG. Surpassing Viv Richards in 84/85 #Ashes

— Macquarie Cricket (@MRNCricket) December 28, 2017

– For the second day running, Cook was given a life by Steve Smith. Australia’s captain dropped a chance at square-leg when Cook had 153, having put him down at slip on 66 the previous day.

– After Joe Root had fallen for 61 early on day three, England lost wickets at regular intervals before Broad counter-attacked superbly alongside Cook to record the first Test fifty by an England number 10 since 1991.

MOMENT OF THE DAY

Cook’s delight was there for all to see after he drove Jackson Bird down the ground for four to bring up a magnificent double-hundred, before celebrating with fellow veteran Broad.

CAN ENGLAND CAPITALISE?

England now have a great chance to claim their first win of the series, with Lehmann conceding a draw is likely to be the best his side can now hope to achieve. On a wicket that remains good for batting, Australia must now attempt to follow Cook’s lead.