England on top down under after 'dream start'

Graeme Swann hailed a "dream start" as England firmly took the upper hand in the second Ashes Test at Adelaide.

Australia won the toss - so often decisive at the batting friendly Adelaide Oval - but were bowled out for 245 despite the in-form Michael Hussey's 93.

It could have been even worse for the hosts after they slipped to two for three inside the first three overs - Simon Katich run out without facing a ball before James Anderson removed talisman Ricky Ponting for a golden duck.

Anderson then picked up the wicket of Michael Clarke on his way to figures of four for 51.

"We'll take 245 all out any day." Swann said after the close of play. To get Ricky Ponting first ball is good enough but Clarke as well, plus the run-out, was a dream start."

Another run-out later accounted for tail-ender Xavier Doherty in a strong fielding display from England, and Swann continued: "There was a lot of energy round the field, those who weren't bowling were scampering around like idiots - KP especially. The odd pat on the bum here and there is what you need to keep you going."

Swann took two wickets himself, including his tormentor in the first test and former Northamptonshire team-mate Hussey.

"Hussey smashed me all over the place last week. You get these mini-battles and Hussey is one of mine - he's a mate of mine, he's a great batsman, but I enjoy it more when he's on his way off."

On the prospects for the remainder of the match, he said: "It's a very good pitch so we'll be looking to bat as big as we can, hopefully that will be enough and we can then leave ourselves two or three days to win the Test."