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December 27, 2006 (Link to Scorecard)

Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds have smashed big hundreds to steer Australia well in control of the Melbourne Test Match. Both these batsmen had come in when Australia was struggling at 84 for 5 and had put on a massive 279-run stand to almost bat England out of the game.

The Australians have taken their first innings lead to 113 with three wickets remaining. Andrew Symonds who has struck his maiden Test Match century is still unbeaten and has got to 154. He has started to take the bowling to the cleaners ever since he got into his nineties. Symo had moved from 92 to 96 with a powerful pull off Monty Panesar for a boundary. And in the next over brought up his maiden Test Century with a six which was a lofted shot hit straight down the ground!

Matthew Hayden was quite aggressive too and at times gave indications to the Selectors that he was a good pick for the One Dayers as well. One of his big shots included a pick up shot for a six off Sajid Mahmood. The 35-year-old had scored his 27th hundred of his career. He made 153 before getting caught behind off Sajid Mahmood. England had a fantastic morning session with the consistent Ponting, Hussey and Michael Clarke getting dismissed cheaply in the space of 10 overs. But they couldn't taste any success and their hearts were broken by the intimidating pair of Hayden and Symonds. The Aussies have closed the second day's play at 372 for 7 in 96 overs with Symonds on 154 from 215 balls with 14 fours and a six and Shane Warne on 4.

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