Australia declare on 649-7, lead England by 303 runs

SYDNEY: Australia declared their first innings at 649 for seven to lead England by 303 runs midway through the fourth day of the final Ashes Test in Sydney on Sunday.

Skipper Steve Smith called a halt with Tim Paine on 38 and Pat Cummins not out 24.

England's bowlers toiled away for a total of 193 overs for more than 13.5 hours in searing temperatures.

Usman Khawaja (171), Shaun Marsh (156) and Mitchell Marsh (101) scored centuries for Australia with off-spinner Moeen Ali taking two wickets for 170.

Australia have already clinched the Ashes with an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-Test series.