Final reckoning: Strauss leads out England on day four before their win
Session one: Australia 258/9. ENGLAND WIN BY AN INNINGS AND 157 RUNS
Australia start on 169 for six with England needing just three wickets for victory because of the injury to Ryan Harris which means he can’t bat. But Mitchell Johnson is bowled by Chris Tremlett with just the tenth ball of the day to start the victory celebrations amongst the boisterous Barmy Army. Brad Haddin and Peter Siddle put up some resistance to see their side through to the drinks break without further loss. Haddin, who has shown great aggressive intent, brings up his 50 soon after but he loses his partner Siddle when he tries to hit Graeme Swann over the top and is caught by Kevin Pietersen for a Test-best score of 40. Ben Hilfenhaus is next in and it isn’t long before he is out, caught behind by Matt Prior off Bresnan. Cure mayhem as the Barmy Army go bonkers and England’s players bounce up and down in a huddle. The Ashes are coming home and Australia’s 24-year dominance of Ashes series Down Under is finally over. England have made history. Soak it up.
Verdict: England.
Test in a tweet: ‘England wrap up a comprehensive thrashing of Australia. It’s payback time after the 5-0 whitewash four years ago. The Ashes are coming home.’
Facebook friend: Andy Flower.
England’s coach deserves huge credit for what he has achieved less than two years into the job. The capitulation in Jamaica during his first Test in February 2009, when they were rolled out for 51, seems a long time ago now. He has put together a strong team, not only on the field but also behind the scenes and no stone has been left unturned in the pursuit of Ashes glory. But the Zimbabwean won’t let his side rest on their laurels in Sydney, he’ll want to ensure a first English series win in Australia since 1986/87 and then there’s India next summer. Many big challenges lie ahead for this team but for now; let’s allow them to enjoy the moment.
Unfriend: Authorities at the MCG.
While England were wrapping up victory on the fourth morning people were still queuing up outside the ground to gain entrance. It was bad enough they were being charged $31 to get in when really surely they should have been allowed in free? However, apparent staff shortages meant ticket sales and the process of getting people through the gates was taking far longer than usual as only three gates in the entire stadium were open. Ridiculous.
Getaway of the day: Ricky Ponting was seen being driven away from the MCG just under 20 minutes before play started today to get treatment on his broken pinkie. Speculation rages over whether he’ll play in Sydney but he returns for the final presentations.
Fan of the day: The England fan who caught Brad Haddin’s massive six in the crowd towards the end of the first hour of the day.
Fickle fans of the day: The Australians. In Brisbane, they failed to turn up on the final day as England celebrated a famous draw and in Melbourne they started streaming out of the stadium on day one after their team was bowled out for 98. On day five, they were notable by their absence again. The English sections of the ground were full, everywhere else empty. They don’t like losers, those Aussies.
Download of the day: Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie.