When play started after a day of rain and the visitors slumped to four for two, expectation became near certainty.

Australia took control of the match from that moment on.

Despite Darren Gough's best efforts with the ball, the hosts took a first innings lead of 70 and required only 175 to win.

After starting the chase in the final session of the match, at 103 for two Australia were set fair.

But as if to prove the saying that catches win matches, Mark Ramprakash's sensational effort to dismiss Justin Langer turned proceedings.

Dean Headley took four for four as Australia slumped to 140 for seven.

But while Steve Waugh remained at the crease, the hosts had a chance and they claimed the extra half-hour 14 runs short.

But 10 minutes later, the longest session in the longest day in the history of Test cricket came to a close.

After a four-hour session in a day that lasted eight hours and two minutes, Gough and Headley took three wickets for one run in a tense finish.