Australia beat host England by 251 runs in first Test of Ashes

Edgbaston: Australia beat England by 251 runs in the first Ashes Test, to take 1-0 lead in the five-match series, here on Monday.Chasing a target of 398, England got all out on 146, as Nathan Lyon packed six batsmen to the pavilion, on crucial junctures.

With this victory, Australia also secured 24 points in the World Test Championship.The two centuries by Smith in both the innings (144 and 142 ), apart from Lyon's wickets at regular intervals, helped Australia to win the match.( UNI)