England's dismal Ashes campaign suffered its final humiliation when they became the first side for 86 years to suffer a 5-0 whitewash in the contest after slipping to a comprehensive 10-wicket defeat in the final Test.
Australia became the first side since 1920-21 to complete a 5-0 series triumph after dismissing England for a lowly 147 on the fourth morning at the Sydney Cricket Ground and then raced to their victory target of 46 before lunch.
Resuming on an already perilous 114 for five, a lead of just 12 runs, the tourists' hopes of avoiding the inevitable rested with Kevin Pietersen guiding them to a competitive total to put pressure on Australia in the final innings.
But star batsman Pietersen fell to the third ball of the day without adding to his overnight 29 and England lost their last five wickets in only 15 overs to be dismissed for a lowly 147.
Pietersen's dismissal, edging behind to wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist from a classic Glenn McGrath delivery just outside off-stump, began one of the familiar collapses which have been a trademark of England's dismal Ashes campaign.
