Cook better than KP

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Senior England Test star Jimmy Anderson rated Alastair Cook a greater talent than showman Kevin Pietersen after the rock-solid opener put the tourists on track to overhaul Australia's modest first innings total.

Cook went to stumps undefeated on 61 as England finished day two 3-167 in reply to the home side's 280 in the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG.

The left-hander enjoyed a reprieve on 61 when recalled to the crease after a video replay revealed Michael Beer over-stepping in enticing Cook to top edge a catch to Ben Hilfenhaus.

It was the only blemish in an otherwise faultless innings from the man who has now scored more than 638 runs for the series at an average of 127.

Anderson, who joined Cook late in the day as nightwatchman, is in awe of Cook's form this summer and slots him in ahead of the big-hitting Pietersen on the score of talent.

"He's probably more talented than a KP," Anderson enthused.

"KP finds it so easy to play, (he's) so naturally gifted with the shots he's got."

"Cookie's not got that. He relies on the shots he has got and he relies on his mental toughness to get him through."

"It's just shown how talented he is, this trip."

Cook arrived in Australia with his form and temperament - not to mention his place in the side - under heavy scrutiny.

He will depart as one of the best-formed Ashes batsmen of all time.

"He's been fantastic considering people were questioning his spot during the summer," Anderson said of Cook.

"He's shown exactly what sort of player he is."

"He's got a huge character, huge talent and there was no doubt in our dressing room that he was going to perform when he came out here."

Anderson had no problem with Cook being recalled after Beer was found to have no balled, urging match officials to use technology more frequently to detect illegal deliveries.

He said: "I think it's good cricket because the correct decision comes out."

"I think they should do it more often. I don't think they use it enough."

"A no ball is a no ball and you should get the correct decision."

The England paceman again played his part in restricting Australia to 280, taking 4-66 in bowler-friendly conditions.

Only late resistance from Australian tailenders Hilfenhaus and Mitchell Johnson halted England from bowling the home side out for less than 200.

"It's pretty even stevens, maybe slightly in our favour," Anderson said of the Test.

"It's a tough one to call. We've got a crucial morning session tomorrow to get through."

"We've got to dig in tomorrow morning and hopefully get up towards them and get a decent lead."

"If you'd given us 280 when they chose to bat on that pitch we would have taken it."

"We were pretty happy with our couple of days' work as bowlers."

"We think it's a challenging total we can get past."

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