'We're not at our perky best' - Haddin

If you say something often enough you start to believe it. At least that's what Australia's resident hypnotist Brad Haddin is hoping. "This game does turn," he said repeatedly after England had taken a 72-run lead by finishing the second day at 2 for 317.

The series is only seven days old but Australia have been swamped by England over the past four. They own a willing attack but it hasn't found an answer to the prolific Alastair Cook, who is 136 not out, and it will also have to contend with Kevin Pietersen starting the third day 15 from a century.

It wasn't so long ago that Australia could make things happen, but this version of the side has to wait and wait and wait. In 1989 David Gower sipped champagne during a break to celebrate an England wicket and it wouldn't have been a surprise today to have seen Ricky Ponting head straight for the marquees for a cup of VB at tea. Ryan Harris removed Jonathan Trott for 78 in the middle session, the first time in 502 runs that the Trott-Cook partnership had been broken.

The mood in the dressing room was definitely not bubbly. "We're not at our perky best, but life goes on," Haddin said. Adelaide's new ground has been full and loud, but the local spectators are in various states of shock.

For the Australians, there is a party everywhere outside their dressing room. The music from England's area is louder than the roars of the Barmy Army whenever their batsmen find the boundary.

Haddin knows the local players have their "backs to the wall" and wants them to "stay tough" over the rest of the game. "Everything seems to be going England's way," he said a couple of times. "The game does turn."

On the first day Haddin was involved in an argument with James Anderson that eventually led to Ricky Ponting having a long exchange with Andrew Strauss about the behaviour of the touring side. Haddin is chirpy from behind the stumps and when he's holding a bat, but he wouldn't give any details of the discussions.

However, he couldn't hold a straight face after being asked about Anderson getting under Australian skins. "Nope," he replied, before breaking into a huge smile.

When the lips say one thing, look to the eyes. Australia's have lost their sparkle, even if this game does turn.