Couldn't have asked for better - Clarke

Quite how England respond to their Lord's thrashing remains to be seen, but for Michael Clarke there was no screaming and shouting after Australia's opening defeat in Cardiff as he instead trusted his players to answer their own questions: he could not have hoped for a more emphatic outcome.

When Josh Hazlewood bowled James Anderson well before the Lord's clock had struck 5pm on Sunday afternoon, Australia completed an overwhelming 405-run victory to level the Investec Ashes at 1-1. Given the way Australia themselves were out-performed in Cardiff it was a remarkable turnaround - not just a victory but an evisceration.

"We didn't talk too much about Cardiff, once we left that changing room our focus was turning up here and making sure we played some of our best cricket," Clarke told Sky Sports. "We knew we didn't play our best, but today the boys up there can look themselves in the mirror and know they played some pretty good cricket

"Couldn't have asked for a better performance from every single player, the way the boys batted - Smith, Rogers, Davey Warner - and the intent through the second innings was outstanding then the execution from the bowlers."

Australia made two changes for this Test. They were forced to hand Peter Nevill a debut after Brad Haddin withdrew for personal reasons and the gloveman responded with seven catches and a jaunty maiden innings. The selectors also decided to ditch Shane Watson for Mitchell Marsh and the allrounder claimed three top-order wickets to help the frontline bowlers dismantle England.

"Marshy played really well, his intent shows how much of a team player he is," Clarke said. "He got two crucial wickets in the first innings, didn't get a long bowl in the second dig but did a great job as well. Credit to the selectors for going with their gut, it was hard on Watto who has been a fantastic player for us but that's the advantage we've got with the squad."

The eye-catching bowling on the fourth day came from Mitchell Johnson who rattled England with his pace - reviving memories of what happened in Australia - but Clarke devolved questions about any reopening of scars.

"That's probably a question for Mitchell Johnson or the England batsmen. He's such a great athlete that he can bowl long spells or I can ask him to bowl short spells - it's about assessing the wicket and the game. Credit to the rest of the attack, too, because the way they operated allowed Mitch to do that."