LONDON – British Prime Minister David Cameron hailed England’s series win in Australia on Friday as “the icing on the cake” after the team had already ensured they would retain the Ashes.
England’s first Ashes series triumph in Australia in nearly a quarter of a century and the dominant way in which they went about it was front and back page news in Britain’s newspapers with politicians and ex-players joining in the celebrations.
“I’ve spoken to (captain) Andrew Strauss this morning and congratulated the team, coaches and everyone behind the side on this tremendous victory,” Cameron said in a statement after England wrapped up a third innings victory in five tests.
“Retaining the Ashes was a fantastic achievement but winning the series really is the icing on the cake. We’ve seen some great sporting moments over the series and the team have provided us with some brilliant memories that I’m sure fans will talk about for years to come.
“The whole country is incredibly proud of them.” England won the series 3-1, needing little more than 17 overs to remove Australia’s last three batsmen on day five of the final test in Sydney to win by an innings and 83 runs.
“Happy and glorious…England reign supreme” blared the headline on the Daily Telegraph’s front page above a big photograph of the jubilant players celebrating in a huddle, while The Sun declared: “First the Ashes..now the world!”
Former England captain Mike Atherton, writing in The Times, said pride in the English game had been restored in a moment to treasure. “This team, too, showed the best side of English cricket: the discipline, the professionalism (in the true sense of the word) and the sense of hard but fair play,” he wrote.
“Those of us who have worn the England cap can be thankful because they have restored faith in the English game in a part of the world that had come to look upon it with scorn.
“The lions and the crown on those blue caps, treasured by those who wear them now and have worn them, suddenly glint a little brighter.”
Another former England captain, and Ashes winner, Ian Botham said the series had highlighted the gulf between the two sides. “It has been chalk and cheese out in the middle,” he wrote on The Mirror website (www.mirror.co.uk).
“Where you see desperation from the Australians, there is cool, calm, collected professionalism from England and it has been great to watch. I’ve waited a while for this. It has been 24 years since we last won over here and I didn’t think I would take so long to happen again, but it is brilliant to see England win so comprehensively.”
