AAP

AUSTRALIA'S 75-year unbeaten Test run at Lord's is over.

The inspirational Andrew Flintoff delivered a stirring spell of fast bowling to lead England to a thumping 115-run victory on the final day of the second Ashes Test.

Needing to chase down a world record target of 522, Australia were all out for 406 giving the home side a 1-0 lead with three games to play.

Flintoff, who is retiring at the end of the series and is carrying a bung knee, was immense in capturing his best figures at the home of cricket of 5-92.

After Michael Clarke (136) and Brad Haddin (80) had revived Australia's hopes of pulling off an incredible victory, Flintoff quickly slapped them down by taking 3-43 in an unforgettable ten-over spell from the Pavilion End on Monday.

Mitchell Johnson (63) played an aggressive hand but didn't have the necessary support and was the last man to go, bowled by spinner Graeme Swann (4-87).

Flintoff earlier dismissed Haddin on the tenth ball of the day and Australia were always up against it from that point.

If Flintoff had opened Australia up, Swann effectively thrust the dagger in by deceiving Clarke with a well-flighted ball.

It was the moment that England collectively breathed a sigh of relief and Australians could turn their televisions off.

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting said his men were hurting.

"We have had a very proud record here for over a number of years now and it is obviously disappointing to lose any Test match," he said.

"But to lose a Test match in this kind of venue is extra disappointing."

Flintoff was named man of the match, having told his captain Andrew Strauss he wasn't going to rest until the last Australian wicket was captured on Monday.

"After he took the first wicket he (Flintoff) said 'By the way just to let you know, I am going to keep bowling until all these wickets are gone'," said Strauss.

"I said that sounds like a good plan to me."

English bookmakers had earlier expressed the fearful mood of the nation by dragging Australia in from 74/1 on Sunday to 2/1 to win before the start of play despite the weight of history being in the home side's favour.

Rejuvenated following a night's rest, Anderson's first ball banged into Clarke's right hip but the pain for Australia was to come in the next over.

Haddin didn't have a chance to settle against Flintoff and the fourth ball of the over he edged to Paul Collingwood at second slip.

Swann was introduced on the hour mark and Clarke instantly walked down the pitch to him after enjoying such success against him on day four.

But the tweaker was to have his number this time around with his second delivery.

Clarke came down the pitch again but was beaten with a well-flighted ball that spun back and it hit his off stump.

With 166 runs still needed to win, the game was as good as over.

Nathan Hauritz (1) didn't last long before losing his off stump, leaving a ball that cut back in down the slope from Flintoff.

By that stage Flintoff was unstoppable, the big man skittling Peter Siddle (7) with the final ball of his ninth over of the day.

Flintoff got down on one knee in the middle of the pitch with his arms outstretched in celebration.

On this form, he may just be kneeling in front of the Queen for a knighthood one day.

The third Test in Birmingham starts on Thursday week with Australia having the chance to regroup in their three-day tour match at Northampton starting Friday.