We will be even better Down Under – Anderson

England were denied the chance to make Ashes history when the umpires took the sides off for bad light with the game minutes away from a thrilling climax and Anderson felt the large crowd were denied a fitting ending to the series. Anderson said: “We know we can go to Australia and play even better. It feels pretty good (to win the Ashes).

“It would have felt even better if we could have got the last few overs in there. I am delighted to have won the Ashes. Today was fantastic for the crowd.

“As it got closer and closer we really thought we could do it but unfortunately the light didn’t hold out.”

Despite the flat ending to the match Anderson said he would make the most of celebrating the series win.

“We are going to cherish this moment because it doesn’t happen every often.”

Captain Alastair Cook praised his players for winning the Ashes and also reserved credit for batsman Ian Bell who was named man of the series as well as England player of the series.

Cook said of the Warwickshire batsman: “He was outstanding with his three hundreds at crucial times. Every one of those guys in the team can be proud of what they’ve done.

“I knew we had the opportunity to win the Ashes here in England and I’m very proud of what the boys have done.”

Bell was in the mood to celebrate his fourth Ashes win and said: “Any time to win the Ashes is a special time. It’s nice to contribute, going into the series I was probably light on a few runs. I was getting a lot of starts but to get hundreds helps the team win Test matches. As the series went on I felt better and better.

“We’ve had to fight for every win. We’re looking forward to a nice break from Test cricket because it’s been hard work.”

Australia captain Michael Clarke praised his opponents for winning the series.

He said: “I think England deserve a lot of credit for the way they’ve played.

“Credit certainly has to go to England, I thought they played really well today.”