ENGLAND took the three Australia wickets needed in the morning session to win the fifth and final Test in Sydney and taste victory in an Ashes series Down Under for the first time in 24 years.
Andrew Strauss’ men triumphed by an innings and 83 runs to win the series 3-1 with Chris Tremlett taking the final wicket that prompted wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands.
England were delayed by light rain and a determined eighth-wicket partnership between Steven Smith and Peter Siddle that yielded 86 runs.
But Siddle heaved Graeme Swann to Jimmy Anderson at deep mid-wicket and the leader of England’s attack then turned from catcher to wicket-taker by having Ben Hilfenhaus caught behind by wicket-keeper Matt Prior.
Smith went past 50 but then Michael Beer played onto his stumps off Tremlett to allow the English party to start.
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