1 Jan 2011

Strauss calls win "special"

11:48 am on 1 January 2011

The England cricket captain Andrew Strauss has hailed his side's depth, resilience and supporters after they retained the Ashes with an innings and 157-run victory over Australia in the fourth Test on the morning of the fourth day in Mebourne.

Strauss says it's a "special" victory that means even more to those in the squad who had suffered in the 5-0 whitewash in the last series in Australia in 2006-07.

Even in the moment of the biggest achievement of his career as England captain, however, Strauss can't resist reciting the familiar team mantra of "no complacency" that has stood England in such good stead since they arrived in Australia.

He says his team has to keep their feet on the ground because there are many goals they want to achieve both in this series and into the future.

England can win the series with a win in the fifth and final Test in Sydney next week.

Meanwhile Strauss says their supporters," the Barmy Army" have been outstanding and "lit up" the MCG.