Alistair Cook falls six short of 300

AlAstair Cook admitted he was a little disappointed to fall short of his triple-hundred after his efforts propelled England towards victory in the third Test against India at Edgbaston. The left-handed opener defied a weary India attack in a career-best 294 until he fell an hour before stumps in a total of 710 for seven declared on day three.

That left the hosts with a first-innings lead of 486 and within touching distance of becoming the International Cricket Council's top Test team for the first time.

Cook's stand was eventually ended after 545 balls, and more than 12-and-a-half hours at the crease, with a slash to deep point off Ishant Sharma. And the 26-year-old was a little frustrated to fall six runs short of a triple-century.

"I'm slightly disappointed," he said. "When you get so close you can be a little bit disappointed. Still, had you offered me that at the start of the game I would have snapped your hand off. When you get so close to a huge landmark you know how much effort it takes, but I'm thrilled to put the team in a strong position.

"I was determined to try and cash in on some tired bowlers and a good wicket, and I did that today. The plan for this morning was to grind them down, and keep grinding and then accelerate later on today and that's what we tried to do."

Cook is now hoping England can bring an end to the Test within four days by skittling India out today. The tourists will resume on 35 for one having lost Virender Sehwag - to a king pair - in the final session. "It's been a really good day for England," Cook said.