Australia gain edge after England collapse

England fought back from another batting collapse yesterday to grab four wickets before Australia began to reassert their control on the second day of the fifth and final Ashes test.

England blew their chance of posting a big first innings total when they lost their last six wickets for just 46 runs in the morning to be all out for 291.

However, the tourists gave themselves a glimmer of hope of salvaging something from a disastrous tour by picking up a quartet of wickets in the afternoon to restrict Australia to 188 for four by stumps.

Fast bowler Steve Harmison dismissed Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke while seamer James Anderson got rid of Justin Langer then ran out Ricky Ponting with a brilliant piece of fielding.

Mike Hussey and Andrew Symonds then returned after a one-hour rain delay to tip the balance back Australia's way.

Hussey, who has made at least 50 in all but one of his previous innings in the series, was unbeaten on 37 at the close with fourth test centurion Symonds not out 22 and looking in an ominous mood.