Birmingham: Australia crushed England by 251 runs to win the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Monday.

The hosts chasing a target of 398 to win, collapsed to 146 on the last day. Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon scalped 6-49 while pacer Pat Cummins 4-32.

For England, Chris Woakes (37) scored the maximum rains but he lost his wicket to Cummins.

The win gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.

Earlier, Steve Smith's second century in the Test helped Australia to give England a daunting task of 398 runs to win the Ashes opener. The highest total England had chased was 332, back in 1928/29.

The second Test between the two sides begins on August 14 at the Lord's in London.