Flintoff laments collapse

Andrew Flintoff cannot hide his frustration as Australia close in on victory in the last session

Captain Andrew Flintoff was left to rue the “bad hour” which cost England dear in the second Test in Adelaide.

Resuming in the morning 97 runs ahead on 59 for one, England knew a solid batting performance would all but end Australia’s slim hopes of claiming an unexpected victory.

But, just as the tourists seemed to have weathered the early pressure, they lost their last nine wickets for 60 runs to be dismissed for 129.

Australia sealed victory by reaching a target of 168 with six wickets and 19 balls remaining, largely thanks to Mike Hussey's unbeaten 61.

The win gave Australia a 2-0 lead in the series; no side in the Ashes’ 123-year history have come back to level the series after going two behind.

Flintoff admitted the hour during which Shane Warne took four wickets early in the day was decisive.

“We played some good cricket through the Test match but you have a bad hour and you’re out of the Test match," he said.

Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey savour a remarkable triumph

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"It shows it can cost you. That’s what happened today.

“The plan was just to go out there and play as we can do but Shane Warne and Brett Lee were fantastic this morning and put us under the pump a little bit.

“I was pleased with the side we went into the Test match with and apart from today we did well. Just that hour today cost us.

“We’re not in a great mood at the moment. At 2-0 down it is an even tougher task than last time.

“But we’ve got to bounce back and get ourselves right mentally and physically for the next Test in a week’s time.”