26 Aug 2009

England win Ashes and push Australia down rankings

8:13 am on 26 August 2009

Australia have been deposed as the world's leading Test cricket nation after losing their five-match Ashes series to England, crashing to a 197-run loss in the deciding match of the series at The Oval in London.

England dismissed Australia for 348 to win with a day to spare in a dream ending to the Test career of the England all rounder Andrew Flintoff, the hero of their Ashes series win at home four years ago.

Flintoff says he can't believe it, it's going to take a while to sink in and he's going to celebrate - though he's not sure whether to laugh or cry.

Flintoff is to undergo exploratory arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will resume his career in limited overs cricket later in the year.

South Africa are now the top ranked Test nation, with Australia relegated to fourth place, with England fifth.