BRISBANE, Australia, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- England, facing a target of 648 runs to win the first cricket test against Australia, reached 5 for 293 at stumps Sunday.
Highlight of England's second innings was the valiant fourth wicket stand of 153 between Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen. It ended when Collingwood was stumped by Adam Gilchrist for 96 while attempting smash spinner Shane Warne out of the ground.
Pietersen was not out on 92 at the end of a dramatic fourth day in Brisbane after a fiery exchange with Warne, when the Aussie bowler hurled a ball at Pietersens head. England skipper Andrew Flintoff also fell to Warne for 16.
The other England batsmen out Sunday were Andrew Strauss for 11 , Alistair Cook 43 and Ian Bell who failed to score.
Geraint Jones, the other not out batsman on 12, will resume with Pieterson on the final day and England still needs a massive 355 runs for victory.
Earlier, skipper Ricky Ponting who declared Australia's second innings at 1 for 202, did not take the field as he strained his back while batting.
Hero of the Australian attack in the first innings, Glenn McGrath, managed only 12 overs in the second session because of a bruised heel.
