In an amazingly even contest, only 10 runs separated the highest and lowest scores in the four innings.

And the final morning crowd of 18,000 were entertained and enthralled in equal measure as Allan Border and Jeff Thomson eyed an improbable victory.

The pair came together needing 74 runs to win and so nearly made it, even when Thomson edged Ian Botham four runs from victory.

Geoff Miller took the opportunity but only after Chris Tavare had parried the initial chance at second slip.

It would have been cruel on Tavare had the catch gone begging as he had been the bedrock of England's first innings.

Australia's reply finished within a day, as did England's second innings.

On the fourth day England held the initiative throughout, except when Kim Hughes and David Hookes were at the wicket.

England re-established their authority before so nearly losing it during the pulsating final wicket stand that had the crowd on tenterhooks.