The series was set at 1-1 going into the fourth test match after Australia had drawn level with a victory over England in the third test in Perth. But England produced a heroic display at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to win the fourth test with a full day to spare.

England dominated from the first day of the test as they bowled the Aussies out for just 98 runs in the first innings, their lowest innings score against England since 1968. England then went on to hit 513 runs and take a huge lead going into second innings.

With Australia starting their second time in bat, a full 415 runs behind, England bowled at the hosts knowing a historic victory was within their sights. At the end of the third day of play Australia stood at 169-6 and still trailed by 246, which meant that an England win was almost certain.

The players walked out to the sight of thousands of empty Australian seats at the 100,000 capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground as England looked to wrap up the win on day four. The England supporters were in a celebratory mood from the start of the play as they watched their team go on to dismiss Australia for 258 and seal victory by an innings and 157 runs.

The win sees England retain the Ashes for the first time in 24 years and they will go to Sydney for the fifth and final test with a 2-1 lead. England captain Andrew Strauss will now be hoping his team can complete the tour of Australia by avoiding defeat in Sydney and winning the series.

Words by Jack Ross