England claimed victory in the second Ashes Test after ripping through the Australian order on the final morning at the Adelaide Oval.

The tourists began the day wondering if the forecast rain would come to Australia's rescue, but in the end the elements were kind to England as they eased to a victory by an innings and 71 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

Graeme Swann was the pick of the England attack, claiming five wickets, the last of those accounting for final man Peter Siddle as the hosts were all out for 304.

Australia began the day on 238 for four, still needing another 137 runs to make England bat again - but with the hope of more bad weather coming to their rescue to prevent the tourists going 1-0 up with two to play.

England were through to the Australia tail within an hour - thanks to pace rather than the anticipated spin. Andrew Strauss took the second new ball after 83 overs and Steven Finn needed just eight deliveries with it to take his first wicket.

It was a big one too, Michael Hussey's mis-pull caught at mid-on by James Anderson soon after Australia's left-handed lynchpin had reached a 98-ball half-century.

The sixth wicket, with Marcus North and Brad Haddin, at the crease was always going to be key. It put on only 25 runs, before Haddin was caught behind pushing forward to some Anderson swing - the first of three wickets without addition in four balls.

Ryan Harris bagged a king pair when he shouldered arms to go lbw, despite looking in vain for a DRS reprieve - the ball shown to be just clipping a bail.

Swann (five for 91) was then convinced by wicketkeeper Matt Prior to chance another review for lbw against North - he had been unsuccessful with a similar attempt earlier on - and this time, the same batsman had to go.

The ninth wicket did fall moments later when Xavier Doherty was clean bowled by Swann, while the game was up for the hosts in 100th over as Swann completed his five-for with the removal of Siddle.