England beat Australia to retain Ashes Down Under after 24 years
December 29th, 2010 - 12:26 pm ICT by ANI
Melbourne, Dec 29 (ANI): England’s 24-year wait to retain the Ashes in Australia is over with the visitors needing just under 20 overs on day four to claim the final three Australian wickets.
Australian pacer Ryan Harris was unable to bat due to a stress-fracture in his left ankle.
Tim Bresnan’s fourth wicket of the innings, having Ben Hilfenhaus caught behind for a duck, sealed the fourth Test victory by an innings and 157 runs.
Australia can theoretically level the series 2-2 in Sydney next week, but it would be inconsequential because England only needs to draw the series, which is already guaranteed, to retain the Ashes, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
British Prime Minister David Cameron congratulated the England cricket team for their “brilliant performance”.
“Congratulations to the England team and Captain Andrew Strauss on a brilliant performance Down Under,” said Cameron in a statement from his office.
“Retaining The Ashes for the first time in almost a quarter of a century marks a very special end to the year for sports fans and a great late Christmas present for the country. I look forward to welcoming them to Downing Street when they return,” he said.
Star batsman Kevin Pietersen used Twitter to praise the Barmy Army for their constant singing, chanting and encouragement.
“We have the BEST supporters in the world.. Period!! Thanks for all the support…” wrote Pietersen.
Australia began day four in Melbourne 246 runs behind with only three wickets in hand. It took only 11 deliveries for England to breakthrough, with Mitchell Johnson playing onto his stumps off his inside-edge off the bowling of Chris Tremlett. (ANI)
- Booze-bender leaves England stars with hangovers after Melbourne Test win - Jan 01, 2011
- England in command after first day of Boxing Day Test - Dec 26, 2010
- Broad retains his place, Bresnan recalled in England squad - Jul 17, 2011
- Panesar, Tremlett recalled in England's 16-man squad for Ashes - Sep 24, 2010
- England three wickets away from Sydney Ashes Test glory - Jan 06, 2011
- England a sniff away from retaining Ashes at MCG - Dec 28, 2010
- Australia beat England by four runs to win in Melbourne Twenty20 - Jan 14, 2011
- Bramy Army delirious following England's smashing Ashes success - Jan 08, 2011
- Aussies five wickets away from Perth Ashes Test glory - Dec 18, 2010
- Tremlett to miss Edgbaston Test - Aug 09, 2011
- England in command after first day of Perth Ashes Test - Dec 16, 2010
- Trott ton puts England in driver's seat on day two of Boxing Day Ashes Test - Dec 27, 2010
- India suffer batting collapse, Hilfenhaus bags maiden fifer (Lead) - Dec 28, 2011
- Clarke to lead Australia in Sydney, Haddin vice-captain (Lead) - Dec 30, 2010
- The Ashes 2010: Ten reasons why England retained the urn - Dec 30, 2010
Tags: andrew strauss, barmy army, bresnan, brilliant performance, british prime minister, chris tremlett, christmas present, david cameron, england cricket team, england team, left ankle, minister david, mitchell johnson, ryan harris, sports fans, star batsman, stress fracture, sydney morning herald, test victory, wickets