Dec 30, 2010

England won by an innings and 157 runs to retain Ashes

England won by an innings and 157 runs in the fourth test on Wednesday to retain the Ashes on Australian soil for the 1st time in 24 years.

The victory, sealed before lunch on the 4th day, gave holders England a 2-1 lead in the Ashes series, which will be completed with the 5th and final test in Sydney next week.

The England players embraced and pumped their fists in the air upon the final wicket as deafening cheers rang out from England's "Barmy Army" of supporters who had sung happily throughout the morning at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australia had resumed on 169-6, still facing a 246-run shortfall to make England bat again but lost their remaining wickets soon before lunch to be all out for 258.

Chris Tremlett removed Mitchell Johnson for six in the 2nd over of the morning, the Australian Faster pushing half-heartedly at a fuller delivery that took an inside edge before crashing into off-stump.

Peter Siddle defiantly slogged his way to 40 before belting a lofted drive off Graeme Swann straight to Kevin Pietersen at long on.

The injured Ryan Harris did not take his place leaving Ben Hilfenhaus to take the crease. The paceman was out to Tim Bresnan for a fourth-ball duck, caught behind to wicketkeeper Matt Prior to complete the innings.

Brad Haddin enjoyed a blustering partnership with Siddle, striking four boundaries and a six off Graeme Swann, but was left stranded on 55 not out.

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