Already leading the series, England retained the Ashes with a decisive victory in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG in the fourth Test.
England win the toss, a decision that was soon vindicated as Australia were bowled out for just 141, despite Dean Jones making 59. Ian Botham took 5-41 as Australia lost their last seven wickets for 33 runs.
Chris Broad then put England in a strong position with 112, with several others chipping in with scores of 40 and above, helping them reach 349.
Although Australia did slightly better in the second innings, Geoff Marsh top-scoring with 60, they were still dismissed for 194. The wickets were shared by the England bowlers, as they claimed victory by an innings and 14 runs.
Australia were at least able to claim a consolation win in the fifth Test, which was staged in Sydney.
They won the toss, and it was Jones they again had to thank as he racked up 184, out of a total of 343. The fact that extras were the third highest score illustrates what a lone hand he played for his side.
England, struggling at 17/3 in response, recovered to 275, thanks to 72 from David Gower, and 69 from John Emburey batting down the order.
When Australia batted for the second time, Steve Waugh came to the fore, making 73, while captain Allan Border got 49.
That meant England needed 320 to win. But, despite 96 from captain Mike Gatting, they could only manage 264, Peter Sleep taking 5-72, his most successful foray into Test cricket.
Even he later described his Test career as mediocre, it proved the old adage that every dog has its day.
On the whole, though, it had been a hugely disappointing series for Australia, and an unexpectedly good one for England.