ENGLAND roared back into contention in the second Ashes Test in Adelaide, finishing the day 266-3.

The visitors, who resisted the temptation to include popular spinner Monty Panesar, won the all-important toss and went straight out to bat, knowing a big score was vital.

Burnley's James Anderson kept his place and selectors also kept faith with mis-firing bowler Steve Harmison.

England's barmy army were looking for a positive response after watching their team get mauled in Brisbane in the first Test.

But the early signs weren't good as they were reduced to 45-2 with both Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook easily dismissed.

In came Paul Collingwood, who fell for 96 in Brisbane, and he joined Ian Bell (60) to put on 113 in 40 overs for the fourth wicket.

And Kevin Pieterson added a bright 50 to leave England with a healthy total at stumps and Collingwood edging perilously close to his century, ending the day on 98.