MICHAEL Vaughan today became the second-highest runscorer in Test cricket this year .

He overcame an injury scare to hit another big hundred and steer England into a commanding position in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval.

The Yorkshire batsman, who hails from Worsley, became the latest England player to be hit by the injury curse which has dogged the Ashes tour when he twisted his knee during catching practice in the warm-up.

But he was heavily strapped by physio Kirk Russell, took his place at the top of the order and dominated until he fell to the last ball of the first day as England racked up 295 for four.

Vaughan was immediately called into action when captain Nasser Hussain, who surprised everybody by bowling first in Brisbane, followed local knowledge this time after winning the toss and chose to bat. No side has lost a Test at Adelaide batting first since 1965-6.

It was a decision which paid dividends, with Vaughan hitting 177 - his fifth century in nine Tests - to take his tally to 1,241 in 2002 and lie second behind only Sachin Tendulkar (1,292) as the highest runscorer in Test cricket this year.

His innings enjoyed its fair share of good fortune. Vaughan was given an early reprieve on 19 when Justin Langer caught him at cover only for TV umpire Steve Davis to give him not out because he believed the replays were inconclusive.

He was also dropped on 56 by Shane Warne, who failed to take a hard chance at slip.

Those escapes enabled Vaughan to reach three figures. He hit three sixes and 19 fours in doing so and also forged a 140-run third-wicket partnership with Hussain.

Fellow opener Marcus Trescothick, who was dropped on 26 by Matthew Hayden in the gully, fell just before lunch when he dragged Glenn McGrath on to his stumps for 35.

Trescothick had also survived trial by TV umpire when Bichel attempted to claim a return catch which clearly bounced in front of him.