ENGLAND finished their miserable Ashes tour on a victorious note with a 225-run thrashing of Australia to prevent a historic 5-0 series whitewash in the final test yesterday.

Brett Lee delivered another sustained spell of hostile fast bowling to halt England’s counter-attack and ensure Australia remain dominant in the fourth Test at the MCG today.

THE Ashes series’ two most experienced campaigners – Alec Stewart and Steve Waugh – experienced contrasting fortunes on the opening day of the fourth Test.

Steve Waugh hit a defiant half-century to power Australia towards a major first innings total in the fourth Test at the MCG today to demonstrate his determination to continue his illustrious international career.