Michael HusseY

Michael Hussey top scored for Australia with 51

A shell-shocked Australia was in damage control on Friday night after a string of batsmen went down swinging, leaving the tourists in deep trouble in the second Test at Lord's.

Five of the eight Australian wickets to fall on a dramatic second day came following reckless pull or hook shots as England's strategy of short-pitched bowling paid handsome rewards.

Michael Hussey, one of only three Australian batsmen not to fall victim to a cross-bat shot, could not explain how quickly the game swung in England's favour.

"I haven't had time to digest it all really but probably a mixture of everything really," said Hussey, who made 51 before being bowled shouldering arms to Andrew Flintoff.

"The pull shot's a very instinctive shot. You try and pick up the length as quick as you can and instinct takes over and your reflexes take over."

"Unfortunately today we had a few dismissals with the cross-bat shot but maybe it was a plan of theirs."