Australia dismissed England for 169 and then romped home, scoring 170 for four with 13 overs to spare in the first meeting between the teams since England's Ashes triumph last year.

"It was a great performance. We did not get off to a great start with the ball or bat and it ends up being a very, very comfortable win," Ponting told reporters.

The world champions were under pressure after holders West Indies [Images] pipped them by 10 runs on Wednesday.

"We've worked hard from the time we have been here. After the result the other night, we came here with a nothing-to-lose attitude and it has paid off for us."

England suffered their second defeat after losing to hosts India by four wickets on Sunday. They were 83 for none until a batting slump saw all 10 wickets fall for 86 runs.

All rounder Shane Watson grabbed three for 16 and fellow Queensland paceman Mitchell Johnson three for 40 to come into contention for the home Ashes series starting on Nov. 23.

"The bowlers particularly did a tremendous job in the middle of the innings, Watson and Johnson were outstanding," Ponting said.

Damien Martyn, 35, stroked 78 and added 118 runs for the fourth wicket with Mike Hussey to guide Australia home.

Ponting said Martyn was under no pressure to retain his spot despite struggling during the 2-1 Ashes Test series reverse in 2005.

"I'm sure Damien was quite pumped to get out there and play the way he did. Certainly in my eye he hasn't been under any pressure," he said. "He is a valuable, vital player. Coming in at number four, you need to be a certain sort of player and tonight we saw how good Damien is."

Martyn, named man-of-the-match, was delighted to prove a point against England.

"We've been waiting for this game for a long time. Since we left England, we've been looking to get back and we enjoyed today. It was a nice batting wicket and it was nice to get some runs," he said.