THE TIMING was reminiscent of one of Michael Hussey's exquisite cover drives or Ricky Ponting's trademark pull shots. And the end result stung every bit as much.

While Andrew Symonds and Matthew Hayden were carting England's beleaguered attack to all corners of the MCG, news was filtering its way through to the masses that the tourists' bowling plans had been stolen.

Secret documents outlining specific ways to target each Aussie batsman went missing from English hands and made their way to Australia's leading radio station ABC.

All this came to light at precisely the time that Queenslanders Symonds and Hayden were plundering a partnership of 279 to underline England's bowling frailties and turn the screw on day two of the fourth Test.

Australia closed 213 ahead with three first-innings wickets remaining - a kick in the teeth for an England side who had got themselves back in the game with three early wickets.

ABC duly broadcast on air the plans - which England claim went missing from their dressing room - leaving the tourists with yet more egg on their face after another story of what might have been in the field.

Seamer Matthew Hoggard said: "The fact the documents went missing is disappointing. It is a personal thing, it is a private room.

"In international cricket we thought we had good security and it is unfortunate it has been leaked.

"It is vital that we stick to our game-plan though. You get tired and weary but your game-plans are there for a reason and you need to stick to them no matter how frustrated you are.

"It was a really frustrating day. We have created chances and been in positions where we can push our advantage home but we've just been unable to do that and take our chances.

"Australia have always had someone there that has raised their game and wrestled back the initiative."

Australia resumed on 48 for two, 111 behind England's first-innings total, and they were on the back foot throughout a one-sided first session.

The tourists needed quick wickets and Flintoff duly obliged, picking up the prize scalp of fellow skipper Ponting, who top-edged to Alastair Cook at short midwicket.

Hoggard then clean bowled Hussey for just six and by the time Michael Clarke edged a snorter from Steve Harmison, Australia were reeling on 84-5, still 75 runs behind.

But any talk of a shock first-innings lead would soon look a real flight of fancy as Hayden and Symonds went to work.

Birmingham-born Symonds went into the game without a century to his name in his 11 previous Test matches.

The 31-year-old is unlikely to have played but for an injury to all-rounder Shane Watson but he rode his luck early on and bossed the final two sessions, ending the day in imperious form on 154 not out.

Hayden eventually went caught behind off Saj Mahmood for 153 late on and Mahmood got the better of wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist shortly afterwards, but the damage was already done.

England won the last Ashes series because they pressed home the advantage at key periods when the momentum was in their favour.

Coach Duncan Fletcher has taken his share of blame for their failures this time around, and understandably so.

A succession of negative selections and a lack of preparation time gave the tourists a mountain to climb before the series even started but a failure to cash in on promising situations will have left Fletcher tearing his hair out.

An ever-hopeful Hoggard added: "Now we need to finish them off quickly and bat for a long time.

"The wicket doesn't look too bad and it's up to us to score enough runs to be in with a shout."