Broad's blitz has the Aussies on back foot.

STUART Broad put England in sight of Ashes glory with a devastating afternoon spell on the second day of the npower series decider.

Broad stole retiring fellow all-rounder Andrew Flintoff's thunder at the Oval with a second five-wicket haul in as many Tests against Australia.

England struggled themselves in their second innings as 15 wickets fell in the day and closed on 58 for three, an overall advantage of 230, with the surface showing signs of deterioration.

But Broad's blitz enhanced England's chances of being successful in their must-win encounter, as they seek to emulate the class of 2005 against Australia.

It included a spell of four wickets for eight runs in 21 deliveries, which plunged Australia from 73 without loss to 160 all out.

Thirty overs of mayhem began at the start of an afternoon session delayed 50 minutes by lunchtime rain.

The extraordinary turn of events, which also included four successes for Broad's Nottinghamshire colleague Graeme Swann, meant England batted at both ends of the day.

Broad struck with his sixth ball when makeshift opener Shane Watson was trapped on the crease to be leg before wicket.

It was the first time since he was introduced into the series that Watson had not passed 50 and the break-througbrought the 23,500-capacity crowd to life.

The decibel levels then rose appreciably in 23-year-old Broad's third over, when Australia captain Ricky Ponting chopped down into his stumps.

Broad was also acclaimed by the masses at fine leg after each of his next two overs as Michael Hussey perished misjudging the line of a delivery to become a second lbw victim and Michael Clarke was brilliantly held low down at short cover by debutant Jonathan Trott.

He then completed his five-wicket haul when he bowled Brad Haddin with the best delivery of the day.

But Broad played down his own contribution after the home side moved into a dominant position.

"I thought we bowled really well as a unit," he said.

"We talked about applying pressure together and we talked how as a bowling unit you dovetail with wickets, and it was my day and Graeme's day.

"Obviously we're delighted to bowl them out for 160 and looking to push on and put them under pressure.

"There's still a lot of cricket to go in the game.

"We're really happy with the position we're in, but it's a very important day for us, to try to keep them out as long as possible and put them under real pressure."

Broad, batting at No 8 in this match, is likely to have an important role to play, and he is eager to establish a reputation as a capable Test all-rounder.

Discussing the pitch and the required mindset, Broad said: "It's about patience, because it's not easy to score on. It's quite a difficult pitch to play shots on, but it's crucial we get our heads down and put them under pressure."

Andrew Flintoff wrapped up the Aus-tralian innings by bowling Ben Hilfenhaus, his first wicket of his final Test.

Broad does not consider himself as a ready-made replacement for the Lancashire all-rounder.

"Not at all, I couldn't replace 'Fred,'" he said.

"He's been a fantastic servant to English cricket and someone I've admired for many years.

"It's been a privilege to play with him and hopefully we can send him out on a winning note."

Australia's Simon Katich, who scored 50 and then took two catches in England's second innings, admitted the shortcomings in Ricky Ponting's team.

He recognised Australia missed their opportunity with the bat, and added: "We've just got to fight our way back in the match."

CAPTION(S):

Stuart Broad celebrates the wicket of Michael Clarke with his team-mates during day two of the fifth Ashes Test