Australia rotated their seamers for the RSA Challenge match against Ireland at Stormont, with Brett Lee, Pat Cummins and Ben Hilfenhaus drafted into the side.

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.

ENGLAND bowling hero Stuart Broad played down his own contribution after the home side moved into a dominant position against Australia in the decisive fifth Test at The Oval, yesterday.

AUSTRALIA captain Ricky Ponting is confident his team will not repeat their mistakes of four years ago when they begin their defence of the Ashes today.

Two wickets in four deliveries from Mitchell Johnson helped Australia take control of the first Test against South Africa, with the hosts collapsing to 158 for eight at lunch on day three – still 109 runs short of the follow-on.