Unsurprisingly, Steve Smith was also named the Compton-Miller medallist as man of the series.

The outstanding Aussie talisman scored 687 runs at an average of 137.4, hitting three centuries and two fifties, with a high score of 239.

Image source, PA

Winning captain Steve Smith on counterpart Joe Root: "I heard pretty early this morning when I got to the ground that he was unwell. I think he was in hospital at that point.

"We didn’t know what was happening. For us, you never want to hear someone to be ill like that. I was in that sort of spot last week, maybe not to the same extent, but it’s not a nice place to be.

"He showed some real courage to come out and bat for the period he did. You could see he was struggling a fair bit, particularly after he ran between the wickets. He’s a tough character and he must have been in a pretty bad way to not come out after the break."

It's done. Australia bowled out England for 180 to seal the Ashes 4-0 with an emphatic victory by an innings and 32 runs at Sydney.

The tourist lasted until mid-way through the second session, with James Anderson the last man to fall.

There was further misery for England as captain Joe Root spent the morning in hospital with gastroenteritis and was unable to resume at the start of play. Moeen Ali went out instead and was once again dismissed by Nathan Lyon.

Root did then arrive at the crease and batted bravely to reach his half-century, ably supported by Jonny Bairstow through to lunch,

But Root fell ill again and did not return. After snaring Bairstow, Pat Cummins also tore through England's lower order before Josh Hazlewood finished it all off.

Image source, PA

Test record: W3 L10 D3

Won once v Bangladesh, twice v South Africa, but no wins against India or Australia

Highest score: 629 v South Africa

Lowest score: 101 v South Africa

S Khan: Really pleased with the England team attitude. Genuinely a fine bunch of lads and a great team unit. Despite all the negativity from ex-players (i.e. Vaughan, Boycott) they have stuck together. This is what will make them a huge success in the future, both in Tests and ODIs.

England bowler James Anderson: "We've been outplayed in key moments in each game. We've been in them to an extent but we've not been able to capitalise on them. Steve Smith's side were far better throughout the Ashes.

"They have a fantastic bowling attack and all the batsmen have come to the party. That's where we've slipped up - we've not scored the amount of runs we need to win a series like this. As a bowling group we've not put enough pressure on at times."

Image source, Reuters

With Joe Root still stricken in the dressing room, vice-captain James Anderson stood in for the close of series interviews...

Australia captain Steve Smith, speaking to ABC: "The bowlers again did a terrific job. It's not just been one guy doing all the work - they've all been contributing.

"It's incredibly satisfying. It's been a great couple of months. So much work goes in behind the scenes to ensure we've got the right side and we're doing everything we can to win games of cricket. I think 4-0 is a pretty fair reflection of how the games have gone."

Apparently it is now raining at the SCG.

What might have been, eh?

Australia captain Steve Smith was unsurprisingly awarded the Compton-Miller medal as man of the series.

He scored 687 runs at an average of 137.40, hitting three centuries, two half-centuries and a high score of 239.

Image source, PA

Viv Carbines: Captains.

Benjamin Reigate: Rank.

Australia have now won seven of the past eight series down under, while victory in Sydney means they have claimed 15 of their past 20 home Tests against England.

Decide to set the alarm 30 minutes early, in (forlorn) hope of seeing England still batting for the draw?

Yeah, they're not. Australia bowled out the tourists for 180 mid-way through the second session on day five at Sydney to wrap up victory by an innings and 123 runs, sealing the Ashes 4-0.

And if that wasn't bad enough, England captain Joe Root spent the morning in hospital with gastroenteritis and was unable to resume his innings at the start of play.

Moeen Ali went out with Jonny Bairstow instead, only to finish his nightmare tour in sadly fitting style - out lbw to nemesis Nathan Lyon for just 13.

Root then did totter out and bravely turned his 42 not out into another half-century - he and Bairstow giving England a flicker of a whisper of a chance at lunch.

But Root fell ill again and did not return. Pat Cummins produced a majestic spell to remove Bairstow and bounce out Stuart Broad and Mason Crane in Root's absence.

Tom Curran batted admirably, as did James Anderson, until he fell, given out caught behind off Josh Hazlewood, even though replays showed he didn't hit it.

But England had no reviews left and Root could not come back out - a dismal end to a chastening tour.

Image source, PA

Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

We talk about planning for series and the future - Pat Cummins has just finished his university degree. He was paid all the while by Cricket Australia.

James Anderson on the England fans: "We're lucky to have such great support. We're very grateful for them. They're a fantastic group. Even when we've been beaten, you can hear them now.

"The disappointment and hurt we’re feeling at the moment is not just for us, but for the people at home and the people who’ve come to see us."

OK, back to the Ashes. Plenty more recaps and reaction to come.

You can also listen to Test Match Special highlights of day five right now on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Click the tab at the top of this page.

By the way, there are still a fair few more late nights to come, with an ODI series between England and Australia starting on 14 January.

A bit of news just breaking relevant to that - Australia's Chris Lynn has been ruled out of the series with a calf injury. His replacement is yet to be confirmed.