dAfr Pat Cummins led the way before ** Josh Hazlewood struck as Australia cmcET reta*ned the Ashes with a 185-run ECB win over England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Sunday.

England, set a huge target of383 to win, were bowled out for 197 following some spirited lower-order defiance. Cummins, the world's top-ranked Test bowler, took 4-43 in 24 overs.

The match ended when Craig Overton, who faced 105 balls, was lbw to Hazlewood for 21 after the tailender's review failed to overturn umpire Kumar Dharmasena's decision.

Victory ensured Australia kept hold of the Ashes at 2-1 up with one to play in the five-Test campaign. If Australia avoid defeat at the Oval next week they will have won their first Test series in England for 18 years.

"It feels amazing to know the urn is coming home," former captain Steve Smith, who was named man of the match, said. "I've been here a few times when things haven't gone our way. This was always one to tick off my bucket list. It's extremely satisfying.

Australia captain Tim Paine said he was overcome with emotion.

"The amount of work that's tried to go on in to retain the Ashes has been enormous and I'm really proud of this group and how

we bounced back from Headingley," he said. "We're thrilled. This is what we came here to do, to take the Ashes home. We'll have a bloody good night tonight together and celebrate but we'll be back on deck next week. We want to win the Ashes 3-1."

He also hailed Smith, saying: "Steve is the best player I have ever seen. He showed that again in this Test match. He knows the game so well and reads it so well."

Australia coach Justin Langer singled out Smith and Cummins for praise. "We've got the best fast bowler in the world (Pat Cummins) and the best Test batsman in the world," he said.

Meanwhile, England captain Joe Root said he was "bitterly disappointed".

"I'm bitterly disappointed. I thought the way we fought today, the character we showed, every single one of them can be proud of that today. To come so close to taking it to the Oval is hard to take. We've still got to look forward and make sure we level the series."

SCORES IN BRIEF

AUSTRALIA: First innings 497-8 deci and 186-6 decl(Smith 82, Archer 3-45)

ENGLAND: First Innings 301 and 197 all out (Denly 53, Buttler 34; Cummins 4-43, Hazlewood 2-31)

Result: Australia won the match by 185 runs and lead the five-match series 2-1.

Player-of-the-match: Steve Smith.