It has given England fans renewed confidence in their team having been the whipping boys for Australia during the host's golden era. To have scored 517-1 in the first Test, only to continue that trend by reaching 551-4 at the end of the third day of the following Test will have many English fans curiously, but happily scratching their heads.
Another breathtaking innings from Alastair Cook (148) was emulated by a man who had not scored a century in 16 Tests since March 2009. Kevin Pietersen (213 not out) ended the day as the hero, displaying the kind of swagger and confidence that took him to his current status within the England setup.
Off the legs he was sumptuous, his cover drives were precise, and his pull shot was lethal, dispatching everything Ricky Ponting had to offer to the boundary. Aided beautifully by Paul Collingwood (42) and the in-form Ian Bell (41 not out), Pietersen went about his work in devastating fashion.
A recent trip to South Africa to play for province side Kwa-Zulu Natal has seemingly brought renewed vigour into the 30-year-olds game, working closely with former coach and close friend Graham Ford to eradicate the cracks within his game.
On a bowling note, Graeme Swann will be licking his lips at the sight of the growing rough patches appearing on the wicket. Part-time spinner Marcus North found tremendous spin that surprised many, and with Xavier Doherty struggling to find his stride, Nottinghamshire's Swann could well be the key player in the business-end of the game.
The question is how long will England bat before putting Australia in? Taking 10 wickets on a pitch as flat as this will not be easy, and Ricky Ponting will not need telling twice how important their second innings will be.
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