NOTTINGHAM, Aug 26: Matthew Hoggard sparked a sensational Australia collapse as England enjoyed a memorable second day in the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge on Friday.

Already in charge after Andrew Flintoff’s maiden Test hundred against Australia took them to 477.

Australia lost their first three wickets to lbw decisions and at stumps were 99 for five, a deficit of 378, and needing a further 179 runs to avoid the follow-on target of 278.

Australia’s Simon Katich, dropped on nought, was 20 not out at the close after Michael Clarke, who’d repaired some early damage with 36, fell to fast bowler Stephen Harmison for the fourth lbw of the innings off the last ball of the day.

Hoggard though led the way with three for 32 from 11 overs.

Struggling left-handed opener Matthew Hayden went first, for a tortuous 27-ball seven, when he missed a Hoggard inswinger.

Then Simon Jones brought one back into Ricky Ponting’s pads and the Australian captain was out for one although replays suggested the Tasmanian had got a feint inside-edge.

Australia’s slump continued when Damien Martyn (one) was beaten by a Hoggard delivery as England, looking to go 2-1 up in the five-match series, tightened thei grip on the match.

Hoggard had taken two wickets for one run in five balls.

He struck again when left-handed opener Justin Langer departed for a gritty 27 after giving a bat-pad catch to Ian Bell at short leg.

Then 58 for four should have become 58 for five when Bell put down left-hander Katich off Hoggard.

Earlier Flintoff, playing in his first Ashes series after injuries and loss of form meant he’d missed previous encounters against Australia, allied good judgment to his familar power.

Flintoff faced 132 balls with one six and 14 fours before he was lbw, hitting across the line, to debutant Shaun Tait.

At lunch England were 344 for five, Flintoff 73 not out and Jones unbeaten on 34, the pair sharing their fourth century stand in Test cricket.

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