England have avoided a whitewash in the Ashes series against Australia by taking the final Test with a 225-runs victory. Captain Nasser Hussain described the Sydney contest as one of the best Tests of his career. England wrapped up their win shortly after lunch on the fifth day. Hussain's side ran through the Australian middle order in the morning and completed the formality less than half-an-hour into the post-lunch session.
Andrew Caddick was the hero with seven second-innings wickets as Australia were dismissed for 226, giving England a 225-run win. Afterwards, Hussain toasted Australia's first Test defeat on home soil since the last Ashes when England won in Melbourne but admitted it was still a major disappointment to go down 4-1 for the series.
"It was the same old story really; we lost the Ashes 4-1, and that is the bottom line. But it was a very enjoyable six days, and it was a great Test match. It was one of the best I have played - and not only because we won but because of the support, conditions, Steve Waugh, their team and our team," he explained.
Waugh, who made his record-equalling 156th appearance for his country on his home ground in the fifth and final Test has yet to decide on his cricket future. He is to consider his next move after facing England again as part of the Don Bradman XI in Bowral on Wednesday.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
