England in sight of victory

England were within touching distance of a third successive Ashes series win following an Australia collapse late on day four of the fourth Investec Test at Chester-le-Street.

Australia lost five for 13, after seemingly being set fair in their pursuit of 299, with Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan doing all the damage.

Bresnan triggered the collapse when he found extra bounce to catch the edge of dangerman David Warner (71) who had combined in the first century opening stand of the series, by either side, with Chris Rogers (49).

Australia were still seemingly favourites when Warner was third man out with 131 required.

But when Broad bowled skipper Michael Clarke with a peach of a delivery with the first ball after the final drinks break, Australia began their slump towards defeat at 182 for seven, and with 118 required.

England needed just three more wickets, with 11 overs left, and the possibility of an extra half-hour should they be able to press for the win.

Earlier, England lost their final five wickets in the opening 90 minutes but, more critically, added 96 runs in 21.1 overs.

Ryan Harris' Test-best figures of seven for 113 put the clamps on an England tail that was in a hurry this morning.

Nightwatchman Bresnan (45) led the heavy hitting after Harris removed overnight centurion Ian Bell (113) and Matt Prior from successive balls with the lead at 219.

But Bresnan, with the help of Graeme Swann (30 not out) went on the attack before England were bowled out for 330.