Cricket: Australia brush aside England by 381 runs to take 1-0 lead in Ashes series

Australian players celebrates the vital dismissal of England's Stuart Broad during the day four of the first Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at the Gabba Cricket Ground in Brisbane, on Sunday, Nov 24, 2013. Australia thump
Australian players celebrates the vital dismissal of England's Stuart Broad during the day four of the first Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at the Gabba Cricket Ground in Brisbane, on Sunday, Nov 24, 2013. Australia thumped England by 381 runs in the first Test today to secure a 1-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series. -- PHOTO: AFP

BRISBANE (AFP) - Australia thumped England by 381 runs in the first Test today to secure 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.

He 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.

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