Fifth Ashes Test, Sydney
England 644 beat Australia 280 & 281 (day five)
England win the Ashes series 3-1
England have won the final Ashes Test, taking the series 3-1 after beating Australia by an innings and 83 runs in Sydney to secure their first win Down Under for 24 years
Australia started the day on 213-7, some 151 runs behind and in no position to save the series or even take a draw from the fifth Test.
Peter Siddle eventually went for 43 after he and Steve Smith did their best to keep England's celebrations on hold, with Graeme Swann taking the wicket.
James Anderson then removed Ben Hilfenhaus before Chris Tremlett bowled Michael Beer as Australia were all out for 281, with Smith left unbeaten on 54.
The final wicket sparked celebrations for England with the Barmy Army in fine voice in Sydney.
In contrast, Australian cricket has been left in tatters, with Michael Clarke, the stand-in captain for this Test, resigning from Twenty20 internationals just minutes after play ended and the official presentations were concluded.
"We came over here desperately wanting to win the series," said England captain Andrew Strauss.
"Obviously in Melbourne we retained the Ashes but we really wanted to finish with a bang here in Sydney.
"All credit to the guys, they've been outstanding again, the way the bowlers bowled on day one, the batsmen dipped their bread in it again and we got another victory.
"We're delighted with what we've done and we're certainly going to enjoy this evening, that's for sure."
Paul Collingwood, who was given the honour of leading out the England team for his final day of Test cricket, added: "Today is absolute number one. It's a special, special day and I can't think of a better way to step out of Test cricket.
"A lot of guys in the dressing room put a lot of hard work in to achieve this.
"My role in the side is to score runs, I'm disappointed I haven't done that. But four years ago I scored a double century and we lost 5-0 and I much prefer it this way round. We deserve it."