24/08/2009

England Celebrate Ashes Victory

England's cricket squad are celebrating their Ashes victory over Australia.

The Queen led the tributes after England secured a 2-1 series win at the Oval on Sunday, reclaiming the coveted ashes urn.

The Prime Minister is to write to the England team congratulating them on their win, while Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe honoured the "fantastic achievement" and London Mayor Boris Johnson spoke of the team's courage and talents.

Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff, appeared in his last Test, securing England a 197-run win over Australia.

The title had belonged to Australia since they overpowered England 5-0 in 2006-07.

Flintoff said the match was like a dream.

"You know, everything that has happened over the past few years, to be involved in an Ashes winning side again, to be at The Oval, walking around the ground with the urn and the medal round your neck, it's almost surreal in some ways.

"I think it will take some time to sink in," he said.

Captain Andrew Strauss, who was named man of the series, said this year there would be "nice muted celebration".

He said: "The last time we hadn't won the Ashes for 18 years so it was almost a step into the unknown for all of us. No-one in the team had won an Ashes series before.

"This time there were a few in the side that have. We have got to be conscious that this is just a stepping stone. It's not the end in itself."

The team will fly to Belfast on Thursday for a one-day international against Ireland.

(GK/BMcC)

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