The Lords of the ring do it again

Australia thumped England by 239 runs on a rain interrupted day four at Lord's, stretching their undefeated run in the home of cricket.

Constant rain stopped play for most of the day and this looked the only way out for England. Unfortunately for the home side, the clouds cleared briefly, just enough to give Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne enough time to give the finishing touches to what was an irrefutable display of cricket by the world champions.

The pair needed just over 10 overs to wipe out the English tail. Kevin Pietersen (64 not out) was the lone man standing as he witnessed Man-of-the-Match McGrath causing havoc to his colleagues in the other end. The champion fast bowler finished with match figures of 9 for 82.

Geraint Jones (6) was the first to fall without adding to his overnight score, caught at mid-on by Jason Gillespie off McGrath. Given that this was the last recognisable pair and the possibility of more rain, Jones's approach was puzzling to say the least. McGrath picked up his second wicket in the over when Ashley Giles (0) edged one to Hayden at gully.

Rain came to England's rescue once again, but this time only for ten minutes and when play resumed, McGrath continued his rampage. He next had Mathew Hoggard (0) plumb in front with a ball which nipped back sharply. Steve Harmison (0) was next to go, leg before to Warne.

All this time, Pietersen could only watch from the other end and when his turn came, he quickly raced to his second fifty of the match. Pietersen kept the crowd in good spirits with his customary slogs, but their celebrations were short lived as McGrath and Warne combined to dismiss Simon Jones (0) and bowl England out for a disappointing 180.

Australia continues their dream run at Lords. Not beaten in 18 tests since 1934 and given their last few performances on this ground, it will take a lot out of a team if they are to end this formidable reign.

Full scorecard available here.

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