Australia should record another chapter of cricket history today by beating England in the fifth Test at the SCG and securing a 5-0 Ashes series whitewash.

England will resume on 5-114 in its second innings, holding a measly lead of 12, with Kevin Pietersen (29 not out) the last recognised batsman.

With fine weather forecast, only an extraordinary innings from Pietersen can save England from another defeat.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting can begin thinking about joining Warwick Armstrong as only the second captain to make a clean sweep of the old enemy, as the Big Ship's Australians did in the summer of 1920-21.

Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer can also focus on what should be one more triumphant day of Test cricket before they retire.

Warne was one of the stars of day three, top-scoring with 71 in his side's 393.

He then claimed the late wicket of England captain Andrew Flintoff to effectively end the tourists' resistance.

Warne said he had never played in such a great Australian side and was looking forward to being part of more history.

"If we can get out there and win (the match) and win 5-0 and whitewash the series, then that's a fantastic achievement," he said.

"We've played wonderful cricket, it's been a marvellous summer so far."

England bowler James Anderson said the tourists had not yet given up and were determined to fight all the way.

"We need to put up a god fight tomorrow and we need to battle hard," Anderson said.

"If Kevin stays there a while hopefully we can get a reasonable total."

Play is scheduled to start at 10.10am (AEDT).

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