/ 24 November 2013

Australia beat England by 381 runs in first test

Australian players Mitchell Johnson
Australian players Mitchell Johnson

Australia thumped England by 381 runs in the first Test on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series.

The Australians dismissed the tourists for 179 late on the fourth day to complete a commanding performance, spearheaded by firebrand pace bowler Mitchell Johnson, who was man of the match.

Johnson took five for 42 in the second innings to finish with nine match wickets.

Captain Alastair Cook's dismissal for 65, six balls after the resumption from a hailstorm, signalled the end for England and they quickly unravelled against the intimidating attack of Johnson and the off-spin of Nathan Lyon.

James Anderson was the last wicket to fall, caught and bowled by Johnson. –Sapa-AFP