England keep the Ashes after easy win over Australia

England women retained the Ashes after wrapping up a six-wicket win over Australia in the solitary Test in Bowral.

Needing only to draw the game to ensure the Ashes returned to England, the tourists swept to a memorable triumph in the final session of the four-day encounter at the Bradman Oval.

Australia, who resumed their second innings on 195 for four, declared on 231 for nine shortly before lunch in a bid to force victory.

But a target of 142 barely inconvenienced England, Claire Taylor following up her first-innings 79 with an unbeaten 64 to ease their nerves after the early loss of Caroline Atkins.

It was fitting that Taylor, who hit the winning runs, and captain Charlotte Edwards were at the crease when victory was sealed, for their record partnership of 159 in the first innings was one of the key factors in England's success.

Isa Guha collected the match award after finishing with second-innings figures of four for 60 - and nine for 100 in the match.