England made of right stuff – Ashes hero Athey

Athey, a member of the previous England side to retain the Ashes Down Under, said Andrew Strauss's men had work to do before achieving their goal of global supremacy.

England were this morning on the verge of securing their first series victory in Australia since Athey was a member of Mike Gatting's team in 1986-87.

Australia were 213-7 in their second innings – still 151 runs short of making England bat again – as the tourists sought to complete a 3-1 victory.

Although full of admiration for England's efforts, which have banished 24 years of hurt Down Under, Athey stressed the long-term objective had yet to be achieved.

He believes England must mount a sustained spell of achievement if they are to rise from No 3 in the world rankings to No 1.

"England have done fantastically well this winter and been by far the better side," said Athey, who played 23 Tests between 1980-88.

"Apart from the one hiccough at Perth, they have dominated the series from first to last.

"But if they want to become the world's best team, they need to dominate the game for at least five years.

"That's what the West Indies did in the 70s-80s and what Australia did in recent times."

Athey, 53, said it was impossible to compare Gatting's team with that of Strauss.

The 1986-87 side won their series 2-1 on the back of some splendid performances from players such as Chris Broad, David Gower and Athey himself.

"I think it's unrealistic to compare the two teams, but there's no doubt the current side have all the right ingredients," added Athey, who works as cricket coach at Dulwich College.

"The batting unit has been superb all winter – Alastair Cook has had a phenomenal series, Ian Bell has been quite superb, while there has been terrific consistency throughout the side.

"The bowling attack has been very impressive – Chris Tremlett has come in and done a brilliant job, James Anderson is real top quality, while Tim Bresnan has probably exceeded expectations to be perfectly honest.

"Most important of all, the foundations are there for the side to get better."

Athey pinpointed consistent batting as the key reason England retained the Ashes.

Strauss's men have four times scored over 500 in the series – only the fourth time a side has achieved that feat.

"Runs on the board have been key this winter," said Athey, who played 151 first-class games for Yorkshire.

"That's why we've won the series because Australia's bowlers have consistently been under pressure.

"England's, on the other hand, have invariably had big totals to defend.

"Australia have been poor at times, but you can take nothing away from England's performance."

The only England batsman who has struggled for runs is Paul Collingwood, who yesterday announced the Sydney Test would be his last.

Collingwood had made only 83 runs at 13.83 going into the last day of the series.

Commenting on his decision to call it a day, Collingwood said: "I discussed it with my wife (Vicky) a couple of weeks ago in Melbourne and once you start discussing it with your family that's pretty much it.

"I decided 100 per cent a few days ago when I came here and played the first day, and I pretty much knew it would be my last innings.

"I wanted to go out on a major high and make a big contribution but it didn't work. I don't think I'm built for fairytales to be honest."

Collingwood went on: "I'm very proud in fairness.

"I'm very happy with what I've done in my career and I think it's the right time to go.

"This England team is moving forward and progressing all the time.

"Unfortunately, I'm not going to be there, but it's up to the younger lads to come through."

Matt Prior was England's star on day four at the SCG, scoring 118 as England posted 644 all out – their highest total in Australia.

The Sussex wicketkeeper made his runs from 130 balls, striking 11 fours and a six, before edging Ben Hilfenhaus to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

Bresnan weighed in with 35, sharing an eighth-wicket stand of 102 with Prior, before being caught in the slips off Mitchell Johnson.

Graeme Swann thrashed an unbeaten 36 from 26 balls as England gained a first innings lead of 364.

Australia fared poorly in reply, Clarke top-scoring with 41 as Anderson, Tremlett and Bresnan each took two wickets.

When Tremlett captured two wickets in as many balls at the end of the day, Strauss claimed the extra half-hour.

But England were unable to claim the final three wickets before the last day.