Australia started the fourth and final day on 195-4, a lead of 105, but Isa Guha took 4-60 and the hosts declared on 231-9 to set England 142 to win.

England reached their target for the loss of four wickets, with Claire Taylor 64 not out and captain Charlotte Edwards hitting the winning runs.

"I'm delighted. To win in Australia is a fantastic feeling," said Edwards.

"We had always said we would come out here and aim to win this match in order to retain the Ashes and that's what we did.

"I'm so proud of all my players. We have played some fantastic cricket over these past four days to continually have the upper hand over Australia and to pull through and secure victory was a great effort.

"It was comfortable in the end, but it was a really hard battle. I am just delighted we have managed to win in Australia.

"It's the hardest pace to win in cricket and it shows the strength in depth we have got, especially with two 18-year-olds in the side.

"I haven't won a toss all tour and I think it was a turning point. You need that kind of luck sometimes."

Guha was named player of the match after taking 9-100 in Australia's two innings.

She said: "It was brilliant to be playing at the Bradman Oval and it was an extra special win because we knew that people were saying we had only come out for the draw as that would have been enough to retain the Ashes.

"But we always knew that we were playing for a win and it's great to be part of such a special occasion."

(BBC)

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