England crush Australia in second test

England completed a crushing 347-run victory over Australia with a day to spare in the second Ashes test yesterday to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Set 583 runs to level the series, Australia succumbed for 235 in their second innings with four balls remaining on the fourth day.

England off-spinner Graeme Swann, who was again the pick of the bowlers, secured the victory when he dismissed James Pattinson lbw for 35 after a battling last wicket stand with Ryan Harris (16 not out).

Swann finished with four for 78 to give him match figures of nine for 122.

“It was obviously a bit of hard work and we just about got there in the end,” England captain Alistair Cook said.

“We’ve played some pretty good cricket over these two weeks. We’ve also had to scrap very hard in this game being 30 for three in both innings – people have had to stand up with the bat and deliver.

“Belly’s hundred in the first innings and Rooty’s hundred in the second innings when they were under pressure at the start was fantastic.

“And obviously the bowlers have done a great job in both matches.”

Cook was also full of praise for Joe Root’s “fantastic” century, while insisting there is still plenty more to come from the young opener.

Root was named man of the match after scoring 180 in England’s 349 for seven before taking the valuable wickets of Michael Clarke (51) and Usman Khawaja (54) as Australia were bowled out for 235 in their second innings.

“It was a great knock,” he said.

“He was under pressure in that second innings. He’s had a bit of success at number five and it’s different at the top of the order, but we all know what a great player he is.”