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Australia have squared the Ashes series in emphatic fashion, crushing England by 405 runs on day four of the second Test.
Mitchell Johnson claimed the vital scalp of Alastair Cook then helped slice through the middle order on Sunday, enjoying Lord’s redemption as England were skittled for 103 in just 37 overs.
It was England’s lowest total at Lord’s since 1997.
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The tourists were 1-362 on day two after an epic 284-run partnership from Chris Rogers and Steve Smith.
From that point on they remained in the box seat to bounce back from a 169-run loss in Cardiff and level the series at 1-1.
But the meek manner in which England capitulated, coupled with Smith’s maiden double-century, will further boost Australia’s confidence before the third Test starts at Edgbaston on July 29.
Johnson sent down a double-wicket maiden after tea, both wickets earned through express pace.
Jos Buttler was caught behind, while Moeen Ali popped up a bouncer to substitute fielder Shaun Marsh at short leg.
“They still fear him by the way they’ve played him in this match,” Shane Warne said on Sky Sports.
“Everyone’s talking about how flat the pitch is. To roll over like they have here, to be 6-64, that will disappoint the captain.
“It’s the way you lose and that’s what will disappoint England supporters, the way they’ve folded.”
Michael Clarke declared at 2-254 shortly before lunch on Sunday, setting England a target of 509.
Cook and Adam Lyth survived three overs to make it to the meal break, after which the carnage started.
Lyth and Cook were both caught behind in the space of six overs after lunch, triggering a collapse of 5-40 in the second session.
The lowlight was Ben Stokes being run out for a duck, having committed the schoolboy error of not sliding his bat.
Johnson threw down the stumps with a direct hit as Stokes’ foot hovered above the crease.
“It’s one of the first lessons you’re given, just get your bat in,” stunned former England captain Nasser Hussain said on Sky.
Ian Bell was dropped on 10 in the 21st over, with first slip Adam Voges doing well to get a hand to the ball.
It only cost Australia one run.
Nathan Lyon removed Bell five overs later when Marsh snaffled a straightforward catch at short leg.
Johnson, Lyon and Josh Hazlewood then cleaned up the tail after tea.
“Mitch Johson led from the front again. He bowled a couple of hostile spells for us,” Hazlewood said.
Earlier on Sunday, the tourists added 146 runs in an entertaining and enterprising session of batting.
Australia resumed at 0-108, with Clarke, Mitch Marsh, David Warner and Steve Smith all scoring freely and quickly.
The only concern was veteran opener Chris Rogers, who retired hurt due to a sudden bout of dizziness.
Rogers remained on the Lord’s balcony throughout day four.
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