ENGLAND'S record Twenty20 winning streak was ended at eight games after Australia secured a series-levelling four-run win in Melbourne.

Paul Collingwood's side were unable to chase down Australia's 147 for seven to suffer their first defeat in the shortest format of the game since their World Twenty20 success last May.

Spin duo Graeme Swann and Michael Yardy had restricted Australia after a quick start, claiming two for 19 apiece, to give England belief that they could seal another series win to follow their Ashes success.

But on the same ground where the little urn was retained three weeks ago, Tim Bresnan was unable to hit the final ball from Brett Lee for a six that would have won the game.

Aaron Finch, playing just his second game on his home ground at the MCG, was Australia's top scorer with an unbeaten 53 from 33 balls.