Image source, Getty Images

Cook admitted himself after play on day three that he feared he could have been dropped had he not returned to form.

Jonathan Agnew says he has now ensured questions about his future will go away.

Aggers believes Cook will now be hugely relieved having proven to himself that he is still good enough at this level and that it is "nonsense" to say the pressure was off with the Ashes gone in this innings.

Read more from Agnew's column here

If you missed yesterday's play you missed Alastair Cook's stunning return to form and a batting masterclass.

After reaching his first ton of the series on day two, Cook batted all day on day three and reached his fifth Test double century.

Despite a dismal first three Tests he is now England's leading run scorer in this series and has seemingly silenced any doubts about his place in the side.

Cook was ably supported by Stuart Broad in particular, who hit a rare half-century, and England's former skipper was still there at the close with England on 491-9 in their first innings.

That gives them a lead of 164 runs.

Image source, Getty Images

Good morning. It has been almost seven years since England were in a position as good as this in an Ashes Test in Australia.

Thanks to Alastair Cook cutting, nudging and driving his way into the record books on day three, England already have a massive first innings lead.

They return today with one wicket left looking to add to that lead before going in search of Australian wickets.

Image source, AFP

England fans waited a month for their side to dominate a full day against Australia. Typically when one came, another followed straight after.

Day three was the Alastair Cook show.

Now on day four can they really press home their advantage or - whisper it quietly - even win?