Australia vs England, 5th Test at Sydney, Jan 04 2018 - Match Result

Australia win by an innings and 123 runs and take the Ashes 4-0. Another very impressive performance from them here. They've bowled as a unit, with Cummins and Lyon outstanding, and batted powerfully to put England's 346 into context. Handshakes between teams in the middle, not sure if Root has made it to the middle. Australia have been too good throughout the series, in what has been another one-sided Ashes.

Shravan: "Apparently the Aussies were waiting for Gnasher to come in before finishing it off!" I will stay with you for the post-match

sri: "@Gnasher Is this the Shortest commentary stint (single session) in cricinfo history? Must be equal among the shortest if not the shortest" I'll need to check statsguru!

Time for the presentations, on a rather interesting stage! An Aussie hand holding up four fingers and an England hand holding none. Does that class as banter?

Man of the match is Pat Cummins. "I couldn't have asked for much more. To get through the five, win the series. It's been a lot of fun, we are all really close and have played a lot of cricket together. Nathan as held up an end which means the rest of us can attack."

Joe Root not well enough to come out, so James Anderson steps up. "He's asleep at the minute, it's taken the toll on him, he's trying to recover. We've been outplayed at key moments, congratulations to Steve they've been the better team. They have a fantastic bowling attack and all the batsmen have come to the party. As a bowling group we haven't created pressure enough of the time. We have a lot of support who travel to watch us and we are very grateful to them."

Man of the series and Compton-Miller medalist is Steven Smith. "The cricket we've played has been outstanding. All the bowlers have taken over 20 wickets so we haven't relied on one person. Scoring big runs has been key for us. The batters got through tricky periods. England had their foot in the door in all the Tests but we've been able to win key moments. It's been a really exciting series and have played good cricket. It's been nice to have these Tests without any injuries, a lot of work went into it. Can be tough to take 20 wickets and the guys were outstanding. Can't thank them enough for that, proud of everyone. I just love being in the middle, doing a job for my team. I work very hard, my mind is in as good as space as it's ever been. I'm really proud of being able to lead from the front."

We'll have plenty of the ground over the next few hours but that's that for another Ashes series. Well played, Australia. Led superbly by Steven Smith. England have a lot to ponder in their Test game. They have two matches in New Zealand at the end of March then a home season against Pakistan and India. The squad for New Zealand will be named in two days. Australia's next Test challenge is the mouthwatering prospect of South Africa in their backyard. That should be a ripper. Before all that, though, there is a one-day series which begins on Sunday followed by T20s. We'll be back to bring you all the action from those matches but, for now, from Miller, Gnasher, Alan and everyone else who has been a part of the coverage, it's goodbye and thanks for joining us!

Thanks Alan...for a final time?

Well, England have somehow made it to drinks. Only another session and a half and they can walk away with a pride-saving draw(!)... Rofl, here's Gnasher to finish things off. Cheerio!

Well, the barrage is over for now, but the threat remains: Nathan Lyon back on. Cummins won't be getting his five-for (yet)

"Re: England Player of The Series. No one stands out, but Malan would just pip Anderson for me, as he fought hard and kept England in the series during the first three Tests when it mattered," proclaims Grant Doran. "Root and Cook were AWOL when it still mattered. I think Malan is a future England Captain. I'd have bowled him more at the SCG too."

"Here at the ground listening to the Barmy Army, sounding in very fine voice - raging at the dying of the light?" Probably just pissed, Arch

Josh Hazlewood replaces Starc

Well, Pat Cummins has left his mark on Curran - but the five-for eludes him still

Silly point comes in now

Arthur George: "Cummins set to record his career best match figures at his home ground, and he could do so without a 5fer in either innings, a testament to the quality and balance of the Australian attack." True that, they've had to fight each other for their rewards