Nottingham, August 26:

An Andrew Flintoff century and three wickets from Matthew Hoggard put England in control of the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at Trent Bridge. Flintoff (102) and Geraint Jones (85) staged a 177-run partnership to help England go from 241-5 to 477 all out. Hoggard and Simon Jones then put in a stunning burst to have Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn lbw. Hoggard next snared Justin Langer and Michael Clarke was lbw off the last ball as Australia closed on 99-5. Simon Katich will resume in the morning on 20, with Adam Gilchrist due to join him. England had begun the day on 229-4, and the momentum looked to be swinging Australia’s way when Brett Lee had Kevin Pietersen caught behind by Adam Gilchrist for 45.

But Flintoff and Jones responded brilliantly under pressure to put together the biggest partnership of the series so far. Shane Warne gave Flintoff some early trouble, but the all-rounder soon went after the leg-spinner and brought up his 50 with a six over mid-wicket.

Flintoff gave Michael Kasprowicz the same treatment he had given Tait and, after a nervy couple of overs stuck on 99, he had his fifth Test century. It was his first against Australia, reached off 121 balls and containing 14 fours and a six. Soon after, Flintoff became Tait’s third victim of the match.