Australia completed an emphatic 277-run win in the opening Ashes Test after England's resistance crumbled in the first 21 overs of the final day at the Gabba.

Resuming 354 runs adrift on 293-5, the tourists had hoped to build on the momentum gained from a 153-run fourth-wicket stand between Paul Collingwood and Hampshire batsman Kevin Pietersen the previous day.

But Pietersen, who resumed eight runs short of his sixth Test century, was unable to add to his overnight score before falling to the fourth ball of the day as England slipped to 370 all out.

Australian seamer Brett Lee, charging in from the Stanley Street end, used the opening delivery as a loosener before taking the new ball and struck just three balls later to remove England's dangerman.

Attempting to clip the ball off his legs through mid-wicket, Pietersen failed to control the shot and hit the ball in the air for Damien Martyn to claim a catch at short mid-wicket.

REACTION & PICTURES IN TODAY'S MONDAY SPORT