Flintoff ends England's 75-year wait at Lord's

Second Ashes Test, Lord's (Day 5)

England 425 & 311-6 dec. beat Australia 215 & 406 by 115 runs

Chris O'Keefe

Andrew Flintoff produced a spell of hostile bowling that helped England beat Australia at Lord's in a test-match for the first time since 1934, which puts England 1-0 ahead in the five match series with three tests to play.

Flintoff returned only his third five-wicket haul in Test cricket and his first since the 2005 Ashes Test at The Oval. Amongst his victims was wicketkeeper Brad Haddin who scored 80 in a partnership of 185 with Michael Clarke that gave Australia a fighting chance of winning the game on the final day.

Clarke himself fell to a wonderfully flighted delivery from Graeme Swann for 136 as the last hope of a miracle for Ricky Ponting's men seemed to have ended. Swann finished with figures of 4-87 in a promising second innings display.

Set 522 to win the Test, what would have been the highest successful chase in Test Cricket, Australia suffered the worst possible start losing both openers early in the innings although replays suggest they were both unlucky. Simon Katich, was caught by Kevin Pietersen at Gully driving to a Flintoff delivery which should have been a no-ball for over stepping the crease.

Phillip Hughes who has struggled for runs in the series in the face of largely short bowling from England, edged one to Andrew Strauss at slip. Hughes stayed in his crease only for umpire Billy Doctrove to say the ball had carried to slip. The replay suggested it was taken on the bounce by Strauss.

More controversy surrounded Mike Hussey's dismissal as question arose about whether Hussey actually hit the ball or not - caught at slip by Paul Collingwood - but Hussey looked out of nick at the crease.

After Haddin and Clarke were dismissed, the end seemed inevitable despite a courageous knock from Mitchell Johnson scoring 63 off just 75 balls, although his bowling figures will be what concern the Australian coaching staff and selectors most as they look for a strike bowler to cause England problems.

England will now look forward to the Third Test at Edgbaston a week on Thursday, but with doubts over the fitness of at least three of their winning team. Kevin Pietersen is still suffering from an Achilles injury that has hampered his performance in both tests. Flintoff is suffering from a knee problem throughout both tests so far and is likely to rest right up to the Third Test. Graham Onions was lightly bowled by Andrew Strauss in the second innings but will have nine days to recover.

The more likely changes are to the Australian line up with Brett Lee likely to be fit enough for selection after missing the first two tests. Stuart Clark may also be considered after a bowling display that seemingly lacked control, particularly from Mitchell Johnson who sprayed the ball around with plenty of punishment from England's batsmen.