2nd Ashes Test ENG v AUS Day 4: England take 2-0 lead, crush Australia by 347 runs

England completed a crushing 347-run victory over Australia with a day to spare in the second Ashes Test on Sunday 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.

Captain Michael Clarke (51) and Usman Khawaja (54) put on 98 for the fourth wicket to give their team a glimmer of hope of at least surviving until Monday.

But Joe Root, who missed the opportunity of becoming only the second Englishman to score a double hundred in an Ashes Test at Lord's when he was caught for 180, dismissed them both in consecutive overs with his occasional off-spin.

Clarke and Khawaja batted throughout most of the afternoon session before Clarke flicked an innocuous Root delivery straight to England captain Alastair Cook at leg-slip.

Khawaja followed in Root's next over when a ball spun sharply away from the left-hander out of the rough, caught the edge of the bat and carried to James Anderson at second slip.

Clarke had earlier survived a peppering from Stuart Broad, who hit him on the chest, shoulder and finally on the helmet.

The Australian captain, who rarely hooks and whose long-standing back injury makes it difficult for him to duck, survived the barrage and used his quick footwork to nullify the threat of Swann at the Nursery end.

Khawaja, one of five left-handers in the Australian lineup, looked controlled and compact, playing Swann from the crease and hooking Broad for two boundaries.

WATSON FAILS AGAIN

He brought up his second Test fifty with six boundaries by flicking the second ball of Joe Root's first over of off-spin to leg for two. Clarke followed suit with his 27th Test half-century including seven fours before he gifted his wicket.

The Australian tail lingered until almost the close of play, helped by dropped catches from Root and Anderson, before Swann wrapped up the match.

In the morning session, Cook declared his team's second innings closed on 349 for seven after Root had added only two to his overnight score.

The young Yorkshireman tried an ambitious scoop shot over his head off Ryan Harris but the ball looped to Smith at third man.

Jonny Bairstow was the only other batsman to fall in the final 15 minutes of the England innings. After hitting Ashton Agar straight back over his head for six, Bairstow played an indifferent shot outside his off-stump to Harris and was caught behind for 20.

Shane Watson made his customary bright start with 20 from 23 balls with three boundaries when Australia batted again before making his customary early exit.

The burly Australian opener planted his left leg straight down the pitch to Anderson and was given out lbw for the second time in the match. This time, Watson did not waste a referral to the third umpire and instead trudged back grim-faced to the Pavilion.

Cook introduced Swann for the 10th over and the spinner responded by knocking back Chris Rogers' off-stump with his fifth ball.

Rogers (6) had already left two deliveries which had spun extravagantly away from the left-hander out of the bowler's footmarks and was fooled by a flatter, faster delivery which slid straight on.

Swann struck again with a similar delivery which hit another of Australia's left-handers Phillip Hughes (1) on the back pad and Clarke survived a stumping opportunity to wicketkeeper Matt Prior off Swann after scoring two.

FINAL SESSION

England took a 2-0 series in the series after trouncing Australia by 347 runs with a day to spare.

The Australian last wicket pair of Pattinson and Ryan Harris frustrated England with a partnership of 43 runs in 14.2 overs during an extended final session before Swann returned to take his third wicket. Battling half centuries by Usman Khawaja (54) and Michael Clarke (51) during a 99-run stand for the fourth wicket in the afternoon session.

But England's batting hero continued to torment Australia by dismissing both Clarke and Khawaja.

Wickets tumbled thereafter before the last pair offered some resistance and frustrated England after the new ball was taken.

It was finally ended by Swann in the final over of the extended final session to finish with three for 54. Bresnan claimed two for 30 and Root had figures of 7-3-9-2.

Swann traps Pattinson leg before in the final over of the fourth day to seal victory for England inside four days against Australia in the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Sunday.

James Pattinson lbw b Swann 35 (91b 3x4 0x6)

Pattinson swings Anderson down to fine leg for another boundary. Aus 225-9 in 83 overs.

Pattinson flicks Broad fluently to midwicket for a boundary. Aus 220-9.

England take the second new ball with Australia 205-9 in 80 overs.

Siddle is bowled by Anderson as England are on the brink of victory. Aus 192-9.

Peter Siddle b Anderson 18 (62b 1x4 0x6)

Siddle gets a boundary off Swann slamming him to long off. Aus 188-8 in 72 overs.

Pattinson gets the first boundary in 15 overs chopping Swann through point. Aus 180-8 in 70 overs.

Root has dropped a regulation catch from Siddle to Broad's consternation. Aus 163-8 in 63 overs.

Swann claims his third wicket trapping Haddin leg before. Aus 162-8.

Brad Haddin lbw b Swann 7 (32b 0x4 0x6)

Bresnan bowls a maiden to Siddle. Aus 158-7 in 59 overs.

Australia lose their seventh wicket as Agar is adjudged caught behind off Bresnan after England are successful with a decision review. Aus 154-7.

Ashton Agar c Prior b Bresnan 16 (13b 4x4 0x6)

Agar slams consecutive boundaries off Bresnan through point.

Agar edges Bresnan through the slip cordon and square cuts for a couple of boundaries. Aus 146-6 in 53 overs.

AFTERNOON SESSION

England were in sight of taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series within four days at Lord's on Sunday after reducing Australia to 136 for six in their second innings at tea.

Australia captain Michael Clarke (51) joined forces with Usman Khawaja (54) to take Australia to 134 for three in the afternoon session in pursuit of a purely academic target of 583 before three wickets fell in the space of 27 balls.

Joe Root, who scored 180 in England's second innings 349 for seven declared, dismissed both Clarke and Khawaja with his occasional off-spin after the pair had put on 98. Pace bowler Tim Bresnan then accounted for Steve Smith (1), caught behind after an ugly flail at the ball on the stroke of tea.

Clarke and Khawaja batted throughout most of the afternoon session before Clarke flicked an innocuous Root delivery straight to England captain Alastair Cook at leg-slip.

Khawaja followed in Root's next over when a ball spun sharply away from the left-hander out of the rough, caught the edge of the bat and travelled straight to James Anderson at second slip.

Clarke had earlier survived a peppering from Stuart Broad, who hit him on the chest, shoulder and finally on the helmet.

The Australian captain, who rarely hooks and whose long-standing back injury makes it difficult for him to duck, survived the barrage and used his quick footwork to nullify the threat of Graeme Swann at the other end.

Khawaja, one of five left-handers in the Australian lineup, looked controlled and compact, playing Swann from the crease and hooking Broad for two boundaries.

He brought up his second Test fifty with six boundaries by flicking the second ball of Joe Root's first over of off-spin to leg for two. Clarke followed suit with his 27th Test half-century including seven fours before he gifted his wicket.

In the morning session, Cook declared his team's second innings closed on 349 for seven after Root had added only two to his overnight score.

The young Yorkshireman tried an ambitious scoop shot over his head off Ryan Harris but the ball looped to Smith at third man.

WATSON FAILS AGAIN

Jonny Bairstow was the only other batsman to fall in the final 15 minutes of the England innings. After hitting Ashton Agar straight back over his head for six, Bairstow played an indifferent shot outside his off-stump to Harris and was caught behind for 20.

Shane Watson made his customary bright start with 20 from 23 balls with three boundaries when Australia batted again before making his customary early exit.

The burly Australian opener planted his left leg straight down the pitch to Anderson and was given out lbw for the second time in the match. This time, Watson did not waste a referral to the third umpire and instead trudged back grim-faced to the Pavilion.

Cook introduced Swann for the 10th over and the off-spinner responded by knocking back Chris Roger's off-stump with his fifth ball.

Rogers (6) had already left two deliveries which had spun extravagantly away from the left-hander out of the bowler's footmarks and was fooled by a flatter, faster delivery which slid straight on.

Swann struck again with a similar delivery which hit another of Australia's left-handers Phillip Hughes (1) on the back pad and Clarke survived a stumping opportunity to Prior off Swann after scoring two.

England batsman Kevin Pietersen did not take the field and will play no further part in the match because of a left calf muscle strain.

Australia are reeling at 136 for six at tea on day four of the second Ashes Test against England at Lord's.

Australia lost three more wickets in the afternoon despite a 98-run stand for the fourth wicket between Khawaja (54) and Clarke (51).

Root was once again their tormentor claiming both Khawaja and Clarke to return excellent figures of 4-1-8-2.

Bresnan strikes this time as Smith is caught behind off an inside edge with Australia being unsuccessful with the decision review. Aus 136-6.

Steven Smith c Prior b Bresnan 1 (14b 0x4 0x6)

Double strike by Root as Khawaja is caught in the gully. Aus 135-5.

Usman Khawaja c Anderson b Root 54 (133b 7x4 0x6)

Root strikes as Clarke tries to glance only to be caught at leg by Cook. Aus 134-4.

Michael Clarke c Cook b Root 51 (85b 7x4 0x6)

Clarke completes his half century cutting Bresnan through the vacant gully region for a boundary. Aus 134-3 in 47 overs.

Khawaja smashes a boundary off Root through midwicket. Aus 127-3 in 46 overs.

Khawaja completes his second Test half century. Aus 121-3 in 44 overs.

Khawaja clips Anderson through midwicket for another boundary.

Clarke drives Swann through the covers to long off for another boundary. Aus 114-3 in 42 overs.

Clarke brings up the 100 of the Australia second innings with a square drive off Anderson.

Anderson returns for another spell and Clarke steers him to the third man fence.

Clarke is playing positively stepping out and lofting Swann to the mid on fence. Aus 90-3 in 32 overs.

Khawaja pulls Broad for the third time to the square leg fence. Aus 84-3 in 29 overs.

Khawaja pulls a short pitched delivery from Broad to the midwicket fence. Aus 75-3 in 27 overs.

Clarke dances down the pitch and drives Swann past mid off for a boundary. Aus 65-3 in 24 overs.

Khawaja hits another boundary off Broad off an inside edge. Aus 58-3 in 23 overs.

Khawaja edges Broad through the slip cordon for a boundary in the first over after lunch.

Australia are tottering at 48-3 in 22 overs at lunch after England set them an improbable target of 583 on day four in the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Sunday.

Joe Root missed out on a double ton being out for 180 soon after which England declared their second innings on 349-7 enjoying a lead of 582.

Watson flattered to deceive again being trapped leg before by Anderson.

It was Swann who struck two deadly blows bowling Rogers and trapping Hughes leg before.

Clarke was lucky to survive a missing stumping chance off Swann.

MORNING SESSION

England moved remorselessly towards a crushing victory within four days over Australia in the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Sunday after setting the visitors a notional target of 583 to win.

After batting throughout Saturday's third day, Alastair Cook declared his team's second innings closed on 349 for seven after Joe Root had been dismissed for 180.

The frail Australian batting was then again cruelly exposed when Graeme Swann took two wickets in 17 balls to reduce Australia to 48 for three at the lunch interval.

Cook gave Root an opportunity to become only the second Englishman to score a double century at Lord's when play resumed under hazy cloud which soon cleared under the hot sun.

However, the young Yorkshireman had added only two to his overnight total when he tried an ambitious scoop shot over his head off Ryan Harris. The ball looped to Steve Smith at third man and he gratefully accepted the catch.

Jonny Bairstow was the only other batsman to fall in the final 15 minutes of the England innings after hitting Ashton Aghar straight back over his head for six. Bairstow played an indifferent shot outside his off-stump to Harris and was caught behind for 20.

Matt Prior was the not out batsman on one, surviving a simple caught-and-bowled chance when he pushed a delivery from left-arm spinner Agar straight back to the bowler who spilled the catch.

Shane Watson made his customary bright start with 20 from 23 balls with three boundaries when Australia batted again before making his customary early exit.

The burly Australian opener planted his left leg straight down the pitch and was given out lbw for the second time in the match. This time, Watson did not waste a referral to the third umpire and instead trudged back grim-faced to the Pavilion.

Cook introduced Swann for the 10th over and the England off-spinner responded by knocking back Chris Roger's off-stump with his fifth ball.

Rogers (6) had already left two deliveries which had spun extravagantly away from the left-hander out of the bowler's footmarks and was fooled by a flatter, faster delivery which slid straight on.

Swann struck again with a similar delivery which hit another of Australia's left-hander Phillip Hughes (1) on the back pad. Hughes opted to refer the decision but the replay confirmed umpire Kumar Dhamasena's original decision.

Australia captain Michael Clarke survived a stumping opportunity to Prior off Swann after scoring two but was still the only Australian batsman who looked as if had any idea how to counter the England spinner.

England batsman Kevin Pietersen did not take the field and will play no further part in the match because of a left calf muscle strain.

Clarke cracks a low full toss from Swann past mid-off for his first boundary.

Bresnan bowls a second consecutive maiden to Khawaja.

Australia would have been in dire straits had Prior not missed a stumping opportunity off Clarke. Aus 38-3 in 18 overs.

Swann strikes again trapping Hughes leg before with Australia being unsuccessful with a decision review. Aus 36-3.

Phil Hughes lbw b Swann 1 (21b 0x4 0x6)

Bresnan comes into the attack replacing Bresnan and bowls a maiden to Khawaja.

Swann strikes with his fifth delivery as Rogers squares shoulders only to see his stumps being rattled. Aus 32-2.

Chris Rogers b Swann 6 (29b 0x4 0x6)

Swann into the attack in the 10th over.

Khawaja clips Anderson to square leg for a boundary with a crisp lookng stroke. Aus 32-1 in 9 overs.

Anderson strikes trapping Watson with an inswinger. Aus 24-1.

Shane Watson lbw b Anderson 20 (23b 3x4 0x6)

Watson gets his third boundary driving Anderson through the covers.

Watson gets another boundary glancing Anderson to fine leg.

Watson opens with a boundary via an outside edge off Anderson off the second ball of the innings.

Root misses out on a double century and after 15 minutes of batting in the morning Alastair Cook declares their second innings with a lead of 582.

England enjoy a lead of 582 runs.

Harris finishes with figures of two for 31.

England declare at 349-7 in 114.1 overs after Root's monumental knock comes to an end playing a Dilscoop to be caught by Smith at third man off Harris.

Joe Root c Smith b Harris 180 (338b 18x4 2x6)

Harris strikes in his second over of the fourth morning to have Bairstow caught behind. Eng 344-6.

Jonny Bairstow c Haddin b Harris 20 (54b 2x4 1x6)

Harris and Agar open proceedings with a ball that is 110 overs old.

Agar is smashed for a straight six by Bairstow. Eng 344-5 in 112 overs.

Australian cricket commentators Sunday were preparing for the worst, pointing to the widening gulf between Michael Clarke's team and England as the hosts tightened their grip on the second Ashes Test.

Joe Root's unbeaten 178 left Australia needing to make cricket history if they were to prevent England from going 2-0 up at Lord's with three Tests to play in the Ashes.

England were 333 for five in their second innings, a colossal lead of 566 runs, at stumps on the third day on Saturday. No Test team has ever won when faced with such a massive run chase in the fourth innings.

DAY THREE: ROOT TON GRINDS AUSTRALIA

The Melbourne Age's Greg Baum summed up the Antipodean depression.

"As per advance notices, it is fast proving to be the worst cricket team of that name to visit these shores," Baum wrote.

"Trent Bridge (first Test) was thrilling, but was also misleading. Except for two freak 10th wicket partnerships, it would not have been even close. At Lord's, the gulf between the teams has been laid bare."

The Australian's Wayne Smith said Australia's cricketers used to be the masters of mind games, but those tactics were now being turned on them by England.

"It seems not that long ago that (former Australia captain) Steve Waugh used to speak so cold-bloodedly about grinding opposing sides, England most especially, into the turf, first breaking them physically, then mentally so that eventually they lost their will to resist," Smith said.

"Yesterday those same tactics were turned back on Australia as England slowly built on its first innings lead of 233 so that by stumps even fanciful talk of a world record run chase sold short how dire the situation has become for Australia."

DAY TWO: SWANN SPARKS AUSTRALIAN COLLAPSE

Gideon Haigh, writing in the same newspaper, mocked Cricket Australia's chief executive James Sutherland's claim that Australia was a different team under new coach Darren Lehmann following the sudden sacking of Mickey Arthur.

"Anyone, of course, can make a duff prediction, but if Sutherland genuinely believes that Australia is suddenly a 'different team' in a 'different place' then he is on a different planet," Haigh scoffed.

"What this second Test has shown in cruel relief is not just the diminished condition of Australian cricket but the wishful thinking that surrounds it - thinking that is arguably now an obstacle to its restoration."

DAY ONE: ENGLAND SLUMP AFTER BELL TON

Television commentator Mark Nicholas, writing on the ESPN Cricinfo website, said: "The most obvious thing about state cricket in Australia at present is the amount of good cricketers but the absence of exceptional ones."

However, The Sunday Telegraph's Malcolm Conn said technology and umpiring decisions had gone against Australia.

"Technology and umpiring dominated this Ashes series yet again after Ian Bell appeared to be caught," Conn wrote.

"The low catch in the gully taken by Steve Smith looked clear watching from beyond the boundary and equally clear on replay.

"It looked such an obvious catch it is difficult to know why the umpires on the field could not make a decision .... Bell wasn't saved by technology but umpire Tony Hill's inability to use it properly."

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