COCK-A-HOOP England claimed they had put their foot on Australia’s throat and would not release the pressure in the second Test at Lord’s.

England boasts a huge lead of 521 runs there is almost certainly only one winner with two days remaining.

"You talk about putting your foot on someone’s throat and not letting go. I think we have done that very well,’’ England topscorer Matt Prior said.

"They threw punches but we managed to cushion those blows and come back even harder. That’s credit to the England changeroom.

"We deserve to be in the position we are in and we are certainly going to be putting a lot of pressure on the Aussies for the next few days.

"We are very confident, in the first innings we bowled them out for 215. The wicket is the same wicket, we are very confident to do it again. We have got the firepower and the skill in the changeroom to do the job.’’

England (6-311) revealed that only bad light and overcast conditions stopped them from declaring late on day three and sending Australia into bat.

"The plan was to declare this evening, have half an hour at them and try to pick up an early wicket,’’ Prior said.

"But unfortunately due to the weather that wasn’t an option. We have had a fantastic day. We are in a great position and it’s up to us to really push home.’’

SCOREBOARD

England 1st innings all out 425

Australia 1st innings all out 215

England 2nd innings

A. Strauss c Clarke b Hauritz 32

A. Cook lbw b Hauritz 32

R. Bopara c Katich b Hauritz 27

K. Pietersen c Haddin b Siddle 44

P. Collingwood c Haddin b Siddle 54

M. Prior run out 61

A. Flintoff not out 30

Extras: (b 16, lb 9, w 1, nb 5) 31

Total: (6 wickets; 71.2 overs) 311

To bat: S. Broad, G. Swann, J. Anderson and G. Onions

Fall of wickets: 1-61, 2-74, 3-147, 4-174, 5-260, 6-311

Bowling: Hilfenhaus 19-5-59-0 (3nb), Johnson 17-2-68-0 (1nb, 1w), Siddle 15.2-4-64-2, Hauritz 16-1-80-3 (1nb), Clarke 4-0-15-0

Toss: England, who chose to bat

Umpires: B. Doctrove (WI), R. Koertzen (SA)

Third umpire: N. Llong (eng)