England on brink of mammoth defeat after top order collapse at Lord's

England are heading towards a crushing second Test defeat at the hands of Australia following another collapse.

After seeing the tourists declare on 254-2 earlier in the day, the Three Lions could muster just 64-5 to leave them on the brink at Lord's.

Adam Lyth was the first to go in the second session of day four, failing to deal with Mitchell Starc's delivery and being caught by Peter Nevill for just seven runs.

Australia managed to tear through England's top order, much like in the first innings earlier this week, with skipper Alastair Cook (11) next to go after edging to Nevill.

Mitchell Marsh took over bowling duties from Mitchell Johnson, and Gary Ballance (14) proved to be the victim from the first ball as he became the latest to edge to Nevill.

Joe Root (5*), so often the saviour in these situations, was brought to the crease alongside Ian Bell, who fell soon after for 11 to well and truly pile on the misery.

Having survived a minor scare, Bell nervously sliced a Nathan Lyon ball to substitute fielder Shaun Marsh with a top edge to leave England on 48-4.

Matters little improved, either, as Ben Stokes was incredibly run out after failing to ground his bat, perfectly summing up England's misery as they attempt to chase down the Aussies' 509-run lead.