Gillespie took four wickets as England collapsed

England lost their grip on the second Test after an early collapse and some brisk batting from Australia on day two in Adelaide.

The tourists' last seven wickets fell for 47 runs, and they crumbled from an overnight 295 for four to 342 all out.

When it was their turn to bowl, the England pace attack appeared helpless against openers Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer, who shared a lightning stand of 101 in 19 overs.

And, following a breakthough just before tea, Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn came together in an unbroken partnership of 133 to take the hosts to 247 for two at stumps.

Ponting overcame an uncertain start to reach his 50 from 94 deliveries, and in the process passed 4,000 career runs in his 61st match.

By the close he was 83 not out, eyeing his 14th Test century, while Martyn was unbeaten on 48.

Jason Gillespie was the star of the morning session with four wickets for 78, while Shane Warne also bagged a brace to finish with four for 93.

Australia had to wait just 12 minutes, with nothing added to the overnight 295, before the first wicket came.

Butcher fell without adding to the overnight score

Mark Butcher, on 22, fended outside off-stump to Gillespie, and wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist collected the edge for his 150th Test dismissal.

Craig White hooked Gillespie straight to fine leg, Richard Dawson was lbw to Warne for six after a 48-minute stand with Alec Stewart and Andy Caddick was bowled in the leg-spinner's next over.

After a miserly but wicketless spell from McGrath, Gillespie rejoined the attack and his very first delivery dislodged Stewart after a 72-ball 29 that included England's only boundary of the day.

The South Australian finished the job four balls later, having Matthew Hoggard caught behind for six.

Speedy start

Hoggard's torment continued as he was dispatched for 20 runs in a four-over opening spell before he was replaced in the attack, but he returned to apply the brakes later in the evening.

Dawson was overjoyed by his first Ashes wicket

Opening partner Andrew Caddick, though, suffered a torrid time, his first seven overs smashed for 40, and it was left to the back-up bowlers to make the running.

Hayden was caught at mid-off for 46 as he looked to hit Craig White over the top.

And Langer was apparently caught behind off Dawson for 48, even though replays showed the ball had only hit pad.

The off-spinner was entrusted with 20 overs in the day, conceding 63 runs.

Steve Harmison was also impressive on his Ashes debut, a highest delivery speed of 91.5mph easily the fastest on either side.

Both men were unlucky not to dismiss Martyn, with wicket-keeper Stewart the villain, dropping potential catches on both occasions.