Mark Butcher marked his 50th Test for England with a determined century today after he battled through an uncertain start to his innings in the final Test against a new look Australian line-up at the SCG.

ALTHOUGH Michael Vaughan was understandably delighted to finish the year on a high with his sixth century to help England record their highest total of the series of 387, once again his efforts were not enough to influence the result against a powerful Australian side.

ENGLAND remained on course for another convincing Ashes defeat after they were outclassed on a lively Perth surface - and then suffered yet another possible addition to their ever-lengthening casualty list.

MICHAEL VAUGHAN benefited from the hard nosed approach of modern cricket to continue his prolific year for England and provide Australian audiences with evidence of real competition during the remainder of the Ashes series.

GRAHAM THORPE has described his inclusion in England’s 16-man party for this winter’s Ashes tour as ‘‘the biggest challenge’’ of his career after taking time out from cricket to resolve his personal life.

NASSER HUSSAIN provided hope of success in England’s unlikely attempt to salvage a draw from the third Test against India.

Debutante Robert Key guided England to 46 without loss at lunch in the second Test against India at Trent Bridge.

VIRENDER SEHWAG’S second Test century frustrated England on the opening day at Trent Bridge.