Series defeat for England

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The Australians, captained by the returning Ricky Ponting, took an unassailable 4-0 lead with a comfortable seven-wicket victory.

Once again it was England's under-performing batsmen who were at fault, with a score of 220 well short of par on a good surface and in glorious batting weather.

It is a worrying trend that Andrew Strauss' men cannot seem to shake and unless they do quickly they face the prospect of a 7-0 humiliation.

Captain Strauss hit 63 for the second match in a row and there was a uncomfortably familiar feel to the top-order's demise as they slumped from 96 for one.

Australia fast bowler Brett Lee produced a devastating performance to claim a five-wicket haul, and one which meant 21 balls went unused.

Having dismissed recalled opener Joe Denly with the new ball, Lee returned to clean bowl four other Englishmen and finish with figures of five for 49 from nine overs.

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine then struck a maiden international fifty, Michael Clarke hit an unbeaten 62 while Ponting fell for 48 as Australia coasted to their target with 6.2 overs to spare.