England prepared for next week's Ashes by ending their four-day encounter against Essex with a 228-run win this afternoon.

The international side returned this morning with Ian Bell and Jonny Bairstow at the crease on 222-3. The former was dismissed for 28 when he was bowled by Boyd Rankin, but Bell (33) along with Matt Prior (21) saw England through to their declaration total of 279.

That meant that during their second innings, hosting Essex required 415 runs to win the match.

Their reply started positively but when Graeme Swann dismissed Hamish Rutherford to leave Essex 91-1, wickets fell at regular intervals.

Swann ended with figures of 5-66, while Graham Onions weighed in with a further four wickets as Essex were bowled out for 186.

England will begin their Ashes campaign against Australia at Trent Bridge a week today.