Cook makes history with unbeaten 244 at MCG

Alastair Cook's 244 against Australia in the fourth Ashes game was the highest score by a player to remain unbeaten a Test match.

England opener Alastair Cook became the first Englishman to carry their bat against Australia in 38 years, and first the England player since Mike Atherton in 1996-97

England opener Alastair Cook became the first player to carry his bat in a Test at the MCG after finishing unbeaten on 244 against Australia on Friday.

After posting the highest score by a visiting batsman in Melbourne on Thursday, Cook made more history in the fourth Test as he was the only wicket not to fall as England was bowled out for 491 on day four – a lead of 164.

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Australia got the remaining wicket with the first ball of the day, James Anderson the man to go for a duck – Cook not out at the non-strikers' end as he walked off the ground to a standing ovation.

His tally was the highest score by someone who carried their bat – an opening batsman unbeaten at the end of an innings when all 10 wickets have fallen – in a Test, surpassing the 223 set by New Zealand's Glenn Turner against West Indies in 1972.

Cook also became the first Englishman to carry their bat against Australia in 38 years, and the first England player since Mike Atherton in 1996-97.