Australia odds-on for series sweep

Having regained the Ashes in typically ruthless style with victory in Perth on Monday, Australia have been slashed to just 9/10 (1.90) to go on and complete a 5-0 series whitewash by beating England in the two remaining Tests, in Melbourne and Sydney.

England's resistance crumbled once Andrew Flintoff had been removed for 51 on day five and Kevin Pietersen was left high and dry on 60 not out while the rest fell around him.

In truth, though, it was England's abject batting performance in their first innings that cost them the third Test and in each of the first three matches, England have been found wanting at one stage or other as Australia showed their superiority.

Australia to win 4-0 is an 11/5 (3.20) chance, while a 4-1 win is the next best at 9/2 (5.50).

That could yet prove to be a decent bet. Australia, for all their ruthlessness, are just like every other side in that they can't help switching off just a little once the series is decided and have lost quite a few dead rubbers in recent years.

Melbourne and Sydney are also two of the more favourable grounds for England, in theory, and since they will be desperate to come back with some pride restored, they could well win one of the two Tests over the holiday period.

The fourth Test starts in Melbourne on Boxing Day.