England retain the Ashes

England completed the formalities of wrapping up a first successful Ashes tour of Australia in 24 years before lunch on the fourth day of the fourth Test in Melbourne, winning by an innings and 157 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the series.



Resuming 246 runs behind on 169 for 6, the hosts were bowled out for 258.



With home bowler Ryan Harris unable to bat due to injury, Andrew Strauss' men knew they needed to take just three wickets to retain the urn and they duly did so, despite some resistance from the Australia tail.



After Chris Tremlett had snared Mitchell Johnson for six in the second over of the day, Graeme Swann removed Peter Siddle for 40 before Tim Bresnan struck the historic blow, having Ben Hilfenhaus caught behind without scoring.



Brad Haddin was left stranded on 55 after he and Siddle put up some resistance by posting an eight-wicket stand of 86.



Bresnan ended as the most successful bowler for England with four for 50 from 21.4 overs. Swann had two for 59 from 27 overs.



The win, with one Test in Sydney to come, means England cannot lose the series and that home captain Ricky Ponting is only the second Australia skipper to have three unsuccessful Ashes series.



It was England's heaviest victory against Australia since 1956 and one they fully deserved after dominating their opponents with both bat and ball from the get-go.



Final scores in the match are Australia 98 and 258, England 513.