Hayden, Symonds put Australia in control

Andrew Symonds and Matthew Hayden both smashed centuries and shared a 279-run partnership to put Australia in control of the fourth Ashes test vs England yesterday.

Symonds cracked an unbeaten 154 while Hayden belted 153 as Australia recovered from the loss of three early wickets to reach 372 for seven by stumps on the second day, leading by 213 after England were dismissed for just 159 on Tuesday.

England had threatened to stage a fightback when they ripped through Australia's middle-order in the first hour of play but Hayden and Symonds tipped the balance back Australia's way with the biggest partnership in 38 years at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The pair came together before lunch with Australia seemingly in a spot of bother at 84-5 and flayed England's bowlers for the best part of five hours before Hayden was dismissed shortly before the close.

Australia also lost Adam Gilchrist for one just before the close leaving home town hero Shane Warne unbeaten on four with the home team in a commanding position after winning the first three tests to regain the Ashes.

England made a great start to the day when they dismissed Ricky Ponting for seven, Mike Hussey for six and Michael Clarke but could not break the Symonds-Hayden partnership quickly enough.