It was said to be a good toss to win for the Australian side at Adelaide but by the time the play had ended on the first day of the second Ashes Test, the visitors were well on top.

Australia were bowled out for 245 in their first innings, which was a big improvement in itself after they had slumped to 2/3 after 13 balls in the day. Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin continued their exploits much like they had done in the first Test match, but only two other batsmen got into double-figures.

Australia’s start after they had won the toss and decided to bat first was anything but enticing. Off the very fourth ball of the innings, Shane Watson failed to call and had Simon Katich stranded. Ricky Ponting edged the first one he faced to the slips, while a fidgety Michael Clarke prodded at five balls before getting dismissed off the sixth.

Watson went on to score 51, while Hussey made 93 and apart from Haddin’s 56 in the middle-order, the latter half of the side failed to stand up.

In the end, on a track on which there seemed nothing wrong, the side was bowled out for a way below-par score. The pitch at Adelaide usually plays out at its best on the second and the third day which puts England as favourites to win the game from this position.

England’s odds to win the game are at 5/6 (Boylesports), shortening from 5/2 at the end of the first Test. As compared to that, Australia are at 9/2 (Blue Square) while a repeat of the previous game’s result is at 5/2 (BetFred).