Smith century denies England win

Steve Smith made a painstaking 102 not out on the final day of the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne on Saturday (December 30), as the Australians dug in to deny England victory and forced a draw.

Smith’s effort, his 23rd century in Tests, came over a painstaking 275 balls.

It was his third century of the series and sixth for the year, as he joined Ricky Ponting as the only batsmen to have made six Test centuries in a calendar year on multiple occasions.

His series tally is now at 604 runs at a remarkable average of 151.

Australia, who resumed on 103 for 2 after England took a first-innings lead of 164, lost only two more wickets on the fifth day. The home side finished on 263 for 4, with Mitchell Marsh not out on 29 alongside Smith.

England had a glimmer of hope at lunch, having scalped the wickets of David Warner and Shaun Marsh late in the morning session.

Warner had looked set for his 22nd Test hundred and second century of the match when he attempted to slog the second ball of Joe Root's first over. James Vince took the catch in the covers to give Root the perfect present on his 27th birthday.

Warner had batted 227 balls and 305 minutes for his 86, his slowest Test innings. His wicket brought an end to the 107-run stand he shared with Smith.

Shaun Marsh then edged Stuart Broad to Jonny Bairstow, the wicketkeeper, falling for four.

But Smith and Mitchell Marsh held steady after lunch to ensure England was unable to go for the win. Mitchell Marsh was as circumspect as Smith and Warner, his 29 not out also taking 166 balls.

Cook was Player of the Match for his unbeaten 244 while carrying his bat in England's first innings.

Australia has an unassailable 3-0 lead in the Ashes. The fifth and final Test will be in Sydney next week.