HOBART, Nov 15: Martin Love smashed his second double-century in a fortnight as Australia ‘A’ took control of their three-day Ashes tour match against England Friday.

Love followed up his 250 against the English in an earlier tour game for Queensland with 201 not out to allow the Australians to declare at 353 for three less than an hour before close of play.

England, in reply, raced to 50-1 off 13 overs but lost opener Michael Vaughan along the way for eight, playing on to fast bowler Brad Williams.

Mark Butcher finished not out 30 with Marcus Trescothick unbeaten on five after another disappointing day for the English.

Trescothick’s surprise decision initially looked like it might pay off after fast bowler Alex Tudor forced the early retirement of opener Matthew Elliott then dismissed Australia A captain Jimmy Maher cheaply.

But it quickly became apparent that the wicket favoured the batting side as the Australians smashed 124 runs by lunch then added another 138 in the second session.

Love led the way with a chanceless innings. The 28-year-old batted for five hours, faced 243 balls and hit 25 fours.

He brought up his 24th first-class hundred in 111 balls with a single off Craig White.

Love passed 10,000 first-class runs when he made it to 197 then brought up his sixth double century in the next over when he drove spinner Richard Dawson through the covers for two.

He also shared in two consecutive century partnerships, the first with Blewett for 140 then a second with Michael Clarke worth 109.