LANCASHIRE'S Andrew Flintoff put his summer injury nightmare behind him to take a two-wicket haul on day one of the Ashes series.

But the England captain's efforts failed to prevent Australia making a blistering start as they finished the day on 346-3 from 90 overs, with Ricky Ponting top scoring with an unbeaten 137 after winning the toss and deciding to bat.

While Ponting dominated in the batting stakes to score his 32nd Test hundred, Flintoff showed no signs of any after-effects from his ankle operation with an impressive bowling display.

Those around him struggled to achieve line and length, allowing Australia to make swift progress and reach 169-2 by mid-afternoon.

Steve Harmison was replaced by Burnley's James Anderson after conceding nine in the first over and, paired with Matthew Hoggard, they were able to peg Australia back a little.

But the hosts were boosted by openers Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer's half-century partnership in just 48 minutes, before Langer reached 50 off 66 deliveries.

Their celebrations were short-lived as Flintoff claimed his first victim, having Hayden caughtby Paul Collingwood and second slip.

Langer followed soon afterwards, caught by Kevin Pietersen at point for the captain's second.

Ponting and Damien Martyn's promising parntership was ended by Ashley Giles. But Michael Hussey was able to pick up where Martyn had left off to end the day on 63 not out.