History will have to be hard-earned if England are to win four home Ashes Tests for the first time after Australia dug in effectively on Day 1 at The Oval.
Australia’s captain and vice-captain in waiting, Steve Smith (78 not out) and David Warner (85), were successful as the tourists sought to put behind them the miserable performance with which they lost the urn at Trent Bridge.
There, they were bowled out for 60 in less than 19 overs to put themselves in an impossible position from the outset.
Here, Warner and his opening partner Chris Rogers soon ensured no repeat of the Nottingham calamity in a century stand that underpinned a stumps total of 287 for three.
Smith then took over in another hundred partnership, unbroken with Adam Voges, as Australia negotiated awkward conditions under heavy cloud cover.
There was no gratifying contribution, however, for Australia captain Michael Clarke, who will retire after this match. He could muster only 15 runs before a faint edge behind off Ben Stokes left him to ponder the prospect of one more innings with which to achieve a fitting farewell.
Warner had a century in his sights until he pushed forward and edged Moeen Ali to slip in mid-afternoon, bringing Clarke to the crease.
As he made his way out, he was applauded by a crowd on their feet and accorded a guard of honour by England.
Australia were previously well-served by Warner and Rogers after Cook chose to bowl first.
After only 19 runs in the first hour, Warner cashed in his initial caution with a 76-ball 50 containing six fours as Cook ran through his bowling options in search of a breakthrough.
Stuart Broad recorded figures of eight for 15 on his home ground two weeks ago as England took a 3-1 series lead.
But he had to settle for a less eye-catching 15-3-43-0 so far here as predictions of another clatter of early wickets proved wide of the mark.
It was not until Rogers edged Mark Wood to a juggling Cook at slip after lunch that England were up and running.
The impression already was that Australia were compiling a handy total, and Smith soon overcame a sketchy start to play with increasing confidence.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @NatSportUAE
