The Ashes

England's Alastair Cook: 'It couldn't have gone any better'

Published: July 11 2015 | 17:56

Last updated: July 13 2015 | 09:14

Alastair Cook hails the performance of his England side following their 169-run victory over Australia in the first Ashes Test at Sophia Gardens.

Alastair Cook has said that the first Ashes Test of the series could not have gone any better for England as his side recorded a 169-run win over Australia.

The Baggy Greens required 412 runs to win at Sophia Gardens, but Cook's men produced a fine bowling display to dismiss them for 242 to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Cook praised the first-innings performance of Joe Root and the discipline of his bowlers as the key to his team's victory.

He told Sky Sports News: "This Test match couldn't have gone any better. We're going to enjoy tonight, enjoy the success.

"I thought the way [Joe] Root played at 40-3, to score 130 on the first day of an Ashes series when the tension is in the air is fantastic, and then the bowlers were superb on a pretty slow, flat wicket."

The second Test starts on Thursday at Lord's.