Ricky Ponting has challenged Matthew Hayden's crown as cricket's batting bully as Australia began circling a wobbly England in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval.

The butter-fingered tourists are in trouble after Ponting (83 not out) surged towards his fifth century in seven Tests on a day dominated by Australia.

At stumps on the second day, Australia was 2-247 in its first innings, just 95 runs behind an England team which collapsed, losing its last seven wickets for 47 runs.

How England can be so competent on the first day and then lose all three sessions is beyond even the brightest imaginations of the Barmy Army after a day in the sun.

Veteran wicketkeeper Alec Stewart typified England's day, looking every minute of his 39 years when he missed chances from Damien Martyn on 18 and 37.

England had the same split personality in Brisbane, losing the first Test by 384 runs, and the tourists face a vital first session tomorrow to ensure Australia doesn't move out of reach.

They have the added worry of losing opening batsman Michael Vaughan, who scored more than half of England's total of 342.

He has an injured shoulder and is not certain to bat in the second innings.

"We hoped to be well in the 400s and that's how it's gone and we have to put it behind us and battle on," England coach Duncan Fletcher said.

"The first half-hour tomorrow is important and then the new ball is coming along."

Ponting and Martyn (47 not out) will resume their 133-run partnership as Australia tries to make speed on a wicket which will present some tricks for the batsmen.

Matthew Hayden (46) and Justin Langer (48) gave Australia another slick start, becoming the most successful left-handed opening partnership in Test cricket with a 101-run stand.

Hayden was dropped on 22 and 24 but ran out of luck when he skied a loose drive to Andrew Caddick at mid-off from Craig White (1-38) before Langer was dismissed by young off-spinner Richard Dawson (1-63).

Ponting avoided trouble and continued the golden run which began with a match-winning century in Cape Town in March.

The 27-year-old Tasmanian has reached a new level this year and become one of the game's most fluent batsman, averaging 91.22 from his last seven Tests.

He has scored more runs than Hayden during that period, which is perhaps the best compliment any batsman can receive this year.

Ponting was more delicate than forceful, hitting only three boundaries while preferring to work England's bowlers.

The right-hander has become a much better talent by omitting some of the risky shots which blotted the earlier part of his career and he is now a difficult proposition for any Test match bowler.

Ponting's delightful cover drive from Dawson to reach his half-century was among the best shots played as Australia strangled England.

Hometown quick Jason Gillespie (4-78) captured 4-10 during an excellent burst while Shane Warne earned the label of "king" from Fletcher after finishing with 4-93.

The pair had England's batsmen in a daze, with only Stewart (29) scoring runs with any real force after key batsman Mark Butcher (22) was out without adding to his overnight score.

Runs will be harder to come by in the second innings, leaving England in need of another batting hero to match Vaughan's 177.

"I don't think it's going to be much different to a normal Adelaide wicket," Gillespie said.

"It will start to be a bit two-paced, a bit up-and-down and I think the ball definitely will turn more."

Fletcher said England selectors were considering calling in another batsman as Vaughan and John Crawley (hip) battle their injuries.

England's batting cupboard is bare in a worrying sign before the third Test begins in Perth next Friday.

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