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Before that, England took advantage of a bit of luck and then bowled with real skill as Australia collapsed from 260-3 to 327 all out.

The luck? Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh and Tim Paine all chopped fairly wide balls onto their own stumps, with a slow pitch proving to have a bit of variable bounce.

England bowled accordingly though - James Anderson and especially the resurgent Stuart Broad finding enough reverse swing to trouble the hosts.

In reply, Australia's bowlers haven't been able to extract the same menace out of the pitch, although their attack was weakened by Pat Cummins suffering with a stomach upset on day two.

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England resume on 192-2, trailing Australia by 135 runs, with Alastair Cook unbeaten on 104 and Joe Root 49 not out.

If you missed it yesterday, Cook compiled a superb century - his 32nd in Tests and first in an Ashes match since 2011 - answering doubts (for now at least) over whether he still had the hunger for batting.

His celebration was muted, relief rather than joy, and he'll know his work is not over yet. If Cook bats big, England will move towards a position of command in this Test.

At the other end, captain Joe Root also found his touch. Watchful and a tad nervy at first, he looked increasingly fluent and will hope to convert his start today.

England start day three of an Ashes Test in a strong position after an impressive display on day two.

Not something we've been able to say much this series.

The tourists have squandered decent positions before, so we should exercise caution.

But with Alastair Cook and Joe Root still at the crease and looking back in form, there are reasons to be cheerful after a painful tour for England and their fans.