Ashes 2015: Alastair Cook delighted by positive England

A commitment to "showing off their talent" helped England's players stun Australia in the first Ashes Test, according to captain Alastair Cook.

England, seeking to avenge a 5-0 whitewash, were positive in Cardiff as they made a mockery of their underdogs tag in a 169-run victory.

"It was really important for this group of players to show we can compete with Australia," said Cook.

"If we can go out there and show off our talent, we are a dangerous side."

England's victory was founded on an attacking approach that has characterised their cricket in all three forms of the game this summer.

Cook said England had committed to playing "on the front foot" since Joe Root and Ben Stokes helped turn around the first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's with a counter-attacking partnership.

"So far this summer, there has been a real feelgood factor about English cricket," said Cook.

"It started with that partnership between Joe and Ben when we were 30-4 at Lord's against New Zealand and it has carried on from there in all forms.

"We keep speaking about showing off our talent to people. That's why we have been picked for England, that's why we are possibly the best players in the country. There must be a reason we got there and we want to show off.

Alastair Cook took a spectacular catch at the second attempt to dismiss Brad Haddin on Saturday

"You can't always play that way but there are times to get on the front foot. It is important."

England's success was in part down to an exceptional fielding display, as they clung on to almost every chance that presented itself.

Cook said a pre-Ashes training camp with new coach Trevor Bayliss had been crucial to the improvement in their fielding.

"The week in Spain, although nobody saw it, was fantastic," he said. "The amount catching we did there - six or seven guys as a unit, first thing in the morning, last thing at night, we came back with sore hands but we certainly got the reward from it."

Australia captain Michael Clarke admitted his team had been outplayed in all areas of the game after they were bowled out for 242 to succumb to a four-day defeat.

"England's batting in the first innings, their bowling throughout the whole game and their catching were exceptional," he said. "They deserve a lot of credit for how they prepared.

"Our shot selection was not as good as it needs to be. We've got some work to do before the second Test."

A relaxed Cook could even afford a laugh about the moment on the second day when he had to leave the field after the ball hit him in the groin.

"It was pretty painful and they are not feeling too happy but the swelling is pretty good," he said.

Listen to Geoffrey Boycott and Jonathan Agnew review each day's play on the TMS podcast, and watch a summary of each day with our Pint-sized Ashes videos.