Andrew Flintoff seized the role of Ashes talisman to deliver another stunning Edgbaston display and put England within reach of a breathtaking second Test victory over Australia.

Just two weeks after trooping away from a 239-run opening Test defeat at Lord's, England summoned up yet another memorable performance to put themselves in sight of possibly their best triumph yet under captain Michael Vaughan.

It would also be their first victory while the Ashes were were still alive since winning at Edgbaston in 1997 and would mark a stunning turnaround since their Lord's humiliation.

The impending success was built on a magnificent display from Lancashire all-rounder Flintoff, who had already shown his liking for the football-style atmosphere at Edgbaston by following last year's 167 against West Indies with a useful 68 on the opening day to help secure a 99-run first-innings lead.

But both those displays were overshadowed as Flintoff performed with bat and ball and leave Australia reeling on 175 for eight, still needing a further 107 runs to claim an unlikely victory.

Flintoff played a crucial role in helping England overcome a morning collapse to 131 for nine with a blistering innings of 73, which included four sixes and six fours. England finished with 182 and a potentially decisive 281-run lead.

But not content with that stunning display - after overcoming a painful injury to his left shoulder early in his innings - Flintoff then claimed two wickets in his opening over to spark an Australian collapse.

His incredible performance enabled England to seize the initiative after another day of fluctuating fortunes, which was dominated by Australia's attack during an eventful morning session once England resumed 124 ahead on 25 for one.

England had begun the day concerned at the influence prolific leg-spinner Shane Warne would have on a turning wicket, but it was Brett Lee who troubled them early on.

The Aussie paceman tore through the top order by claiming three wickets for four runs in 11 balls.

Marcus Trescothick, dominant the night before, edged Lee behind chasing a wide delivery and three balls later Vaughan had his off-stump ripped out by a fast and straight delivery.

Lee also claimed the scalp of stubborn nightwatchman Matthew Hoggard, who had resisted for 34 minutes before pushing straight to Matthew Hayden low in the gully and at 31 for four, England were in danger of capitulating.

Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen partly rescued the situation with a determined 41-run stand but both fell to contentious catches behind off Warne as England's collapse gathered its pace.

But Flintoff stood firm on his most productive international ground and produced the type of display which could become part of Ashes folklore.

He had made only seven when he attempted to force Warne off the back foot and immediately called for treatment on his left shoulder, which was hurt in the execution of the shot but later dismissed as "a tweak".

He winced with every shot until lunch but further treatment allowed him to play more freely after the interval and after losing Geraint Jones, Ashley Giles and Steve Harmison in quick succession he delivered an astonishing onslaught on Australia's attack.

Michael Kasprowicz was launched for two sixes in one over to prompt Australia to recall Lee from the Pavilion End, but he was treated with equal disdain and in one shot Flintoff cleared the roof and landed the ball on the broadcasting balcony.

One year on from picking out his dad Colin in the crowd of the neighbouring stand, this time former England captain Graham Gooch fielded Flintoff's strokeplay during a productive 51-run last wicket stand with Simon Jones, during which he contributed 34.

The stand was broken when Warne bowled Flintoff to finish with six for 46 and just one tantalising victim away from becoming the first bowler in Test history to claim 600 wickets.

But the spotlight was never going to shift far from Flintoff, who shrugged off fears over his shoulder to be introduced into England's attack with Australia nicely placed on 47 without loss chasing their historic victory target.

He struck with his second ball, knocking back Justin Langer's off-stump, and then had Australian captain Ricky Ponting caught behind having already had too good appeals for leg before rejected in the over.

That double breakthrough saw England regain the momentum, although Matthew Hayden and Damien Martyn forged a worrying 35-run stand.

But two shrewd changes of bowling by Vaughan ended their contributions within four overs of each other and Flintoff chipped in again to catch Adam Gilchrist at mid-on and dismiss Jason Gillespie leg before.

England could not force victory after claiming the extra half hour but Steve Harmison struck to remove Michael Clarke, the last recognised batsman, with a perfect yorker to end the day's play.