England retains Ashes with emphatic 4th Test win

England has retained the Ashes in emphatic fashion by completing an innings and 157—run win over Australia on December 29th in the fourth Test.

England retained the Ashes for the first time on Australian soil since 1986—87. It travels to the final Test in Sydney starting Sunday with a 2—1 series lead, but as the Ashes-holder, England needs only to draw the series to keep the urn.

Tim Bresnan claimed the final wicket and his fourth of the innings when Ben Hilfenhaus was caught behind for a duck to dismiss Australia for 258. Last batsman Ryan Harris could not bat due to a foot injury.

Brad Haddin and Peter Siddle shared an 86—run eighth—innings partnership, but that only delayed the inevitable. Haddin ended the match on an unbeaten 55.

Australia’s loss looked inevitable from day one when it was dismissed for a paltry 98 in two rain—shortened sessions on the first day. A capitulation became inevitable early on the third day when England replied with a first—innings total of 513 for a massive 415—run lead.

Bresnan claimed the vital wickets of Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey after tea on Tuesday to become the architect of yet another poor Australian batting performance.

Bresnan, who replaced Steven Finn in England’s bowling attack for the fourth Test, ended the innings with figures of 4—50. Tremlett had 1—71, Anderson had 1—71 and Swan finished with 2—59.

Shane Watson provided Australia’s second highest score of the match with 54, while the England line-up featured knocks of 168 from Jonathan Trott, 85 from Matt Prior and 82 by Alastair Cook, proving the MCG wicket had plenty to offer the batsmen.

Siddle’s bowling provided the only highlight for the Australians, taking 6—75. Johnson, who took 9 wickets in Australia’s 267—run win at Perth in the third Test, was far less effective in Melbourne, conceding 134 runs for his two wickets.

Australia captain Ponting’s future has come under intense scrutiny in the light of the series loss, his failure with the bat, a finger injury and his unseemly remonstrations with the on—field umpires on Monday after having a reviewed decision ruled not out.