ENGLND HAVE RETAINED the Ashes for the first time in 24 years – and with a match to spare.

The impressive tourists cruised to a comprehensive victory in the fourth Test in Melbourne overnight.

Australia, resuming 246 runs behind on 169-6 and with Ryan Harris unable to bat, were ultimately dismissed for 258 before lunch on day four at the MCG.

Chris Tremlett, Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan each took a wicket as England won by an innings and 157 runs.

England are now 2-1 up with only the Sydney Test remaining.

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Visiting captain Andrew Strauss hailed the memorable win:

We’re very excited right now. It’s a special occasion the MCG game. And to come out here and retain the Ashes will live long in all our memories.

I had hoped we would do it, but you know how much hard work is needed.

We did a lot of planning for this series and knew what we wanted to do, but it’s another thing going out and doing it.

A lot of credit goes out to [manager] Andy Flower and the backroom staff, but also the players on the pitch who did a fantastic job.

Now we want to go out and win the series but it's pretty amazing what we've achieved here.