Blogging the (Fake) Ashes 06/07 - 2nd Test, Adelaide

After narrowly missing out on what would have been a remarkable victory in Brisbane, some England supporters may have been forgiven for thinking that there was a sniff of a possibility of a chance of taking a series win in Australia. But at the same time, was the near miss going to lull the tourists into a false sense of security? What better way to test the resolve and credentials of the English than to get straight back into the action in Adelaide.

And what a result it proved to be. If a draw in the first test was a great result, then this victory must have exceeded all expectations and then the wildest dreams of England fans. And much of the credit for the win probably has to go to a quite literally fantastic 300 first innings partnership between Andrew Flintoff and the rookie Hayman. And there was a valuable contribution from Steve Harmison just when it was required.

Australia never looked settled after opting to bat first and quickly lost Jaques and Ponting to leave the score at 46-2. But Hayden and Clarke came together to strengthen the hosts' cause, although both missed out on milestones with 49 and 98 respectively. Symonds added a half century but there was little else but the cameo 25 from Brett Lee as English pace-men rattled through the last six wickets for 61 runs; Harmison with 4-70 and Flintoff picking up 3-73 as Australia staggered to 302.

Frustratingly, in response, England stuttered and were already staring down the barrel at 62-5 with Vaughan and Bell both getting out to dismal run outs. Gillespie took Pietersen and Collingwood out of the action with neither of the two batsmen breaking into double figures. So when England hauled themselves to 135 before Mustard fell, there was only once chance left to make an impression. And my, what an impression was made. Not a wicket fell for the next 300 runs as Hayman followed up an impressive start in Brisbane with an even better 209 here, ably assisted by Freddie Flintoff who made it to 141 before falling to Gillespie. The last three wickets fell cheaply but courtesy of what must be a record 7th-wicket stand for England (I haven't checked Wisden), the visitors found themselves looking mighty at 457, possessing a first innings lead of 155.

In Australia's response, they cancelled out the deficit with the loss of two wickets, but then batsmen started to fall around the imperious Ricky Ponting. When the captain eventually went for 114, bowled by Hayman, only Andrew Symonds offered any resistance finishing unbeaten on 32 as England mopped up the tail. Australia had once again staggered to a stop, and their tally of 304 this time around meant that England required just 150 for victory. Three wickets collected by Harmison, Panesar and Hayman second time out.

Anyone who remembered the 4th Test at Trent Bridge in 2005 may have thought that it could be a bridge to far for a fledgling England team. After all, Brett Lee had to come to the party at some point, and boy, did he. After a solid start for England, Lee accounted for both Cook and Bell in the space of two runs. Yet, at the other end, England were afforded freedom, and it was duly taken by a man you can't give much room to - Kevin Pietersen. With Vaughan, they established a 50 partnership although they became over-zealous in trying to secure the victory. Vaughan went for 44 trying to hoik MacGill over long-off only to miss the flight and lose his bails, while Pietersen holed out in an undignified manner to Hayden off Lee at mid-on for 58.

But by this point there was no real worry for England, with the score at 142-4. The eight runs needed for victory were duly taken by Collingwood (13) and Hayman (1) to secure a fantastic victory and one that continued England's rise in the ascendency. Brett Lee finished with 3-75 in the end, a decent effort considering the circumstances, and perhaps now starting to find ominous form. Next, it's onto Perth and England will be looking to continue their good run of form - a win in Western Australia would guarantee that England retain the Ashes.

Series score: England 1-0 Australia (2)