Andrew Strauss leads England on to the field at the start of day four, knowing that with the injured Ryan Harris very unlikely to bat, England realistically need to take three wickets to retain the Ashes
The news is not good for Harris, who pulled up with an injury while bowling. The paceman has a stress fracture of the tibia and will be out for eight weeks - making it likely that he will miss the World Cup
Chris Tremlett, who bowled beautifully on day three without taking a wicket, makes an early breakthrough for England in the second over of the day when he bowls Mitchell Johnson for six
Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, a rumoured contender for the Australia captaincy, reaches his half century from 86 balls, but he is fighting a losing cause as Australia try to stay in the game
Peter Siddle perishes when he holes out at long-on and Kevin Pietersen takes a good catch in front of England's raucous Barmy Army supporters; England need one more wicket
The denouement comes when last man Ben Hilfenhaus edges Tim Bresnan to keeper Matt Prior - and with Harris absent injured, England win by an innings and 157 runs
The video screen (and the banks of empty seats) tell their own story: England have retained the Ashes for the first time since Mike Gatting's successful tour of Australia in 1986/87
Captain Strauss shakes hands with opposite number Ricky Ponting, who must be aware that his future as captain is on the line - but he tells the BBC that he has more to offer as a batsman and a leader
England celebrate in front of their fans by doing the "sprinkler dance", popularised by Graeme Swann (centre)
England's players are all smiles, but captain Strauss's message is clear - their focus must now turn to Sydney and winning the series, which they will do if they avoid defeat at the SCG
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