Trott: England strategy was spot on

England's chances of finalising victory in the second Investec Test hinge on the day five weather but Jonathan Trott defended the decision to delay their declaration.

Captain Alastair Cook, whose 130 took him to 25 Test centuries, allowed his side to bat on into the second session at Headingley and set a mammoth target of 468. That always seemed a highly conservative figure, a feeling that only increased when four wickets from Graeme Swann reduced the tourists to 158 for six by the close.

England's prospects of securing a 2-0 series win on Tuesday are hampered by the likelihood of rain, but Trott is comfortable with Cook's strategy. "I think we got it spot on to be honest," said the batsman, who reached 76 thanks to the late declaration.

"We set out to get the total we wanted and we achieved that in the time we wanted. To get six wickets as well is a good day of Test cricket, I think. We're in a good position: we need four wickets tomorrow to win a Test match and win a series."

England have said before they do not allow the imprecise nature of forecasts to determine their game plans and Trott reiterated that position.

"I don't think we should pay too much attention (to forecasts)," he said. "When you're in the position of being 1-0 up I think you can afford to let the game take its course and play it as you normally would."

Trott also had a word of praise for his captain, who now has three more Test centuries than any other England batsman. Seven of his 25 tons have come in the 11 matches since he became skipper, a fact that is not lost on Trott.

He added: "It's Cooky's seventh (hundred) as captain already and that's amazing. People say captaincy can be a burden but it can spur some people on and drive them on to become even better. He's a great captain."

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor played an admirable innings of 70 as he attempted to save the game for his side, but became Swann's fourth and final victim just before bad light stopped play. He admits the tourists have been second best throughout the Test and need the weather to avert defeat.

"England are in the box seat. We need a bit of help and we'll have to wait and see when we pull back the curtain in the morning," he said. "Something similar to the first day (washout) would be quite handy."