Australia sealed a 3-0 series Ashes win over Great Britain in 2003

England and Australia have called off an agreement to play the Ashes in a one-off Test match next month.

Australia agreed to put the trophy on the line when the two teams meet in the Four Nations in Wigan on 31 October.

But after listening to a number of objections from opponents, both countries agreed to shelve the plans.

Australia Rugby League chief Geoff Carr said: "The strong feeling expressed about the Ashes are a reminder of how much these contests mean to people."

Richard Lewis, chairman of the Rugby Football League, added: "It was an idea born out of a great sporting rivalry and it is to the credit of the Australians that they were prepared to consider the move.

"Understandably there are some passionate views about the Ashes in the light of its rich history.

"We believe any change to the format under which they are to be decided would need more consideration than can be given between now and the Four Nations."

The plan, which would have been in place for the next three years, had been criticised by several high-profile rugby league figures.

"I think it devalues the challenge," said former Great Britain and current Wigan coach Brian Noble.

"We've shown over the last 25 years that we can beat Australia in a one-off game - I've coached a team that has beaten them at Sydney Football Stadium, their own ground, and there is no finer feeling.

"But I think the challenge of the Ashes is to beat them in a three-match rubber. I genuinely feel that."

England coach Tony Smith added: "I'd prefer it as a stand-alone contest rather than as part of another tournament."

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The history of the Ashes series stretches back 101 years but Great Britain have not won the trophy since 1970.

The Kangaroos inflicted a 3-0 whitewash in the most recent event in 2003, handing them their 13th successive series victory.

But the demise of tours between the two hemispheres means there is unlikely to be a suitable period for Great Britain to take on Australia in a three-match series in the foreseeable future.

England meet Australia on 31 October in the second round of matches in the expanded tri-nations tournament, which now features France for the first time.

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