Strauss: It seemed a long way off

Andrew Strauss described the roller-coaster of emotions he experienced as England finally bowled Australia out to regain the Ashes at the Oval.

Speaking after the presentation of the famous urn, the England captain explained the feelings that went through his head on the pitch as the final Test progressed.

“We went through so many emotions, hope, frustration, worry, despair at times when we didn’t look like we were going to take a wicket,” said Strauss.

“Until you get over the line, you don’t realise how hard it is. An Ashes Series forces a player to dig very deep,” he continued.

Strauss was also quick to praise Andrew Flintoff’s final contribution to Test cricket after Ricky Ponting was run out by the talismanic all-rounder.

“Ponting and Hussey were playing exceptionally well, and we needed a moment of inspiration. You can’t keep Freddie out of the game and it was an unbelievable bit of fielding.”

The 32-year-old also revealed that a final Test victory looked unlikely after the Australia’s victory in the fourth Test at Headingley.

“It’s an amazing day, and if I’m honest it’s one that seemed a long way off at Headlingley.”

“But we’ve got a young side and we can get a lot better than where we are at the moment.”

His Australian counterpart Ricky Ponting spoke of his huge disappointment.

“I don’t think you could get any more disappointed than I am right now, but looking back to 2005 I guess I was feeling exactly the same then,” said the Australia captain.

“We’d all spoken about how much this series meant to us and the guys in the dressing room are hurting too.”