Flintoff strike boosts England

Andrew Flintoff provided England with the perfect start to their day of destiny at Lord's by breaking Australia's stubborn sixth-wicket partnership.

All-rounder Flintoff, charging in from the pavilion end, enticed an edge from Brad Haddin with just his fourth delivery of the morning.

Paul Collingwood clutched the catch low at second slip as Australia lost their first wicket in the second over of the fifth morning to leave them on 313 for six, 209 short of their world-record victory target.

With the fifth day like its predecessors a sell-out, the ground erupted as Flintoff acknowledged his success with a nod of the head.

Haddin trudged off for 80, having played an innings which allowed Australia to dream of the improbable.

England need four more wickets to go 1-0 up in the npower Ashes series.