Last Australian wicket again falls under controversial DRS review system.
Given the events of the previous four and-a-half days it could be seen as fitting the first Ashes Test match was decided by the DRS system.
Despite the debate that will continue to rage over the coming days, England have claimed the all-important first win in the Ashes after cutting down a valiant effort by Australia, with the Three Lions winning by 14 runs at Trent Bridge.
Entering the afternoon session, Australia needed just 20 runs for what would have been a historic victory.
While Alastair Cook and his men were out to finish what they started in the morning, going to the brink of victory before a stoic last-wicket stand by James Pattinson and Brad Haddin halted their momentum.
Easing fears he had suffered a more serious injury, James Anderson opened the bowling for England to start the afternoon session.
Haddin turned the strike over to his less credentialed, but no-less gritty batting partner, showing faith in his ability.
19 to win.
An inside edge from Pattinson brought cries of appeal from the English side, but all it resulted in was three runs to the Australians as the ball dribbled down the fine-leg.
16 to win.
The now customary shuffle by Haddin to the off-side before playing to mid-on resulted in another run off the bowling of Graeme Swann.
15 to win.
An excellent diving stop by Ian Bell at cover saved crucial runs for his side, as every English fielder
set off after the ball as if it was their last meal.
The last appeal needed by the English came as Haddin looked to have gotten an under-side edge off the bowling of Anderson, with the ball flying through to wicketkeeper Matt Prior.
Hot Spot showed the smallest of nicks on the bat with a sound also made as the ball went through to the keeper.
As a result the on-field decision was reversed, sparking wild celebrations from the English players who, along with the packed house at the Nottingham ground, basked in glow of the tense victory.
Both Haddin and Pattinson were left devastated after the final ruling was made, with the pair combining for a 65-run stand which put them on the brink of one of the country’s best ever wins in Ashes history.
Fittingly it was Anderson who took the last wicket as he finished with match figures of 10-158, the second time he has taken 10 wickets in a Test.
England will look to use the momentum gained from the win, while Australia will be out to hit back and show an improvement when the second Test begins at Lords on Thursday.
COMMENTS