The Ashes: England win in Adelaide

England celebrate the wicket of Michael Hussey. Photo / Getty Images

England has taken a 1-0 lead in the Ashes series after ripping through the Australian middle and lower order in the opening session of the second test in Adelaide.

Australia lost six wickets in the morning session for 66 runs to be dismissed for 304, as England won the test by an innings and 71 runs.

The hosts now need to win two of the remaining three tests to reclaim the Ashes from England.

Australia's slim hopes of forcing a draw were crushed when they lost three wickets with the score on 286 as James Anderson and Graeme Swann finished off the tail.

Michael Hussey was the first to fall for Australia when Steven Finn forced him to play a pull shot which sent a top edge to James Anderson at mid-on for 52.

Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin lasted five overs before he was caught behind off the bowling of James Anderson for 12.

Ryan Harris then fell next ball trapped LBW by Anderson, his second golden duck of the test match to become the second Australian ever to record a 'king pair'.

In the following over Graeme Swann took the key wicket of Marcus North, LBW for 22.

Swann picked up the remaining two wickets to finish with a five wicket bag, when he bowled Xavier Doherty for five and then also bowled Peter Siddle for six.

Both teams suffered injury blows overnight with England paceman Stuart Broad and Australian opening batsman Simon Katich both ruled out of the rest of the Ashes.

- Herald online