IT might have taken ten matches, but England's cricketers have finally beaten Australia for the first time since the 2005 Ashes.

Ed Joyce's sparkling century helped the tourists record a 92-run victory in Sydney, and kept their hopes of making the final of the Commonwealth Bank Series alive.

Joyce, who was dropped twice during his match-winning knock, made 107 from 142 balls as England racked up a total of 292-7 from their 50 overs.

Australia's reply was in trouble from the off as Durham's Liam Plunkett and Sajid Mahmood claimed wickets in the first eight balls to reduce the home side to 4-2.

Plunkett eventually finished with figures of 3-24 as Australia limped to a final score of 200-9.