Oval, August 24: England captain Andrew Strauss hailed the hard work of his team and staff after England regained the Ashes.
Strauss’ side won by 197 runs at the Brit Oval today to seal a 2-1 series win and reclaim the urn which was in Australia’s possession after a 5-0 whitewash in 2006/7.
“We had to work so hard for it today,” Strauss told BBC Radio 5 Live. “These things never come easy.
“It’s been hard work by the XI on the field and the backroom staff as well. It’s a massive moment and I’m determined to enjoy it.”
Strauss admitted his belief occasionally wavered on a tense last day.
He said: “At times I didn’t think we were going to get there but that makes it more special.”
Australian captain Ricky Ponting was struggling to come to terms with losing the Ashes at the Oval for the second time in four years.
“We’re all disappointed, obviously, and I guess for me as the captain of the side it’s even more disappointing,” he said.
“It’s probably fair to say I’ve had a few disappointing times here. It’s probably not my favourite ground in the world.”
Ponting was unimpressed by a dry pitch which caused problems to both sides at various times in the game.
He said: “It was a a poor wicket – I’m not blaming the wicket – but it was a poor Test match wicket.
“But both sides had the same. The difference in this game was our first-innings batting.”
Ponting also conceded Australia not including a spinner in their XI was not the right decision.
He said: “In hindsight, no, but I don’t think anybody saw that happening. I think England would have played two spinners if they had.”
–Agencies–