The Ashes: British press delighted after England's 'massacre' of Australia

British newspapers on Monday relished England's comprehensive thrashing of Australia in the second Test at Lord's, gleefully confident that the hosts will go on to retain the Ashes.

Australia are 2-0 down in the five-match series after being beaten by 347 runs with a day to spare.

Many commentators noted that only once in Ashes history has a team fought back from such a position to win a series.

"It does not get much more comprehensive than this," said the Daily Mail, declaring that "it is already clear the Ashes are assuredly staying put".

"England's superior quality has told at Lord's after an indifferent first day and there would appear to be no way back for Australia now, not when they are such a shambles both on and off the field," the newspaper added.

"Lord's of the manor" headlined The Sun, while the Daily Mirror said the Australians suffered "humiliation. There is no other word for it".

All the papers paid homage to Joe Root, the 22-year-old opening batsman who made 180 in England's second innings 347 before taking two wickets.

"There is a gulf in class that was epitomised by Root's collection of the man-of-the-match award in just his eighth Test for a majestic hundred, but such is his confidence right now he bowled as if he were picked just for that," the Mirror said.

Under the headline "England's dominance hits new heights", The Telegraph said the defeat "leaves Australia and the series, as a contest at least, in a parlous state".

"When England's cricket teams were routinely getting skewered in the Ashes between 1989 and 2005, mischievous Aussie administrators used to suggest playing England over four-day Tests," one writer commented.

"Well this one finished just inside that limit, so perhaps it should be put back on the table, with the hope it might bring them an odd draw, at least until they find their feet again."

Simon Barnes in The Times declined to consider whether Australia were in long-term trouble.

"Just as you don't spoil Christmas by asking how much your new trike cost, so you don't spoil an England Ashes victory by dwelling on Australian shortcomings," he wrote.