Warne: we seized big moments

Shane Warne claims Australia lifted their game when it mattered © Getty Images

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Shane Warne claimed Australia’s ability to raise their game at crucial times was the key to their Ashes success.

Australia stormed to victory in the final Test in Sydney to complete a 5-0 whitewash over England for only the second time in history.

The home side triumphed by 10 wickets before lunch on day four after being set just 46 to win following England’s second-innings collapse to 147 all out.

“To win 5-0 is a fantastic achievement by this group of guys,” Warne said. “This team has played some sensational cricket through the whole summer.

Glenn McGrath savours the moment with his children

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“England have played some good cricket at times, too, but when the big moments were there, the Australian cricket team stood up and someone’s put their hands up.”

The Test was spinner Warne’s final international match before retirement, and he added: “It’s been fantastic playing with this group of guys.”

Warne singled out team-mate Glenn McGrath, who was also playing his final Test, for special praise.

“It’s just a pleasure to play with someone like Glenn McGrath,” he said. “He’s been an unbelievable player and to play with him has been a real pleasure.”

McGrath himself claimed he has never played in a better Australia team.

Justin Langer departs the international arena in style

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Cradling his two children, he said: “It’s been an amazing series for us. At every stage, the guys have played well. It’s been a huge team effort.

“I don’t think we’ve ever played as well team-wise as we have during this series.”

The third Australia player to retire, opening batsman Justin Langer, added: “We’ve been so determined to win this series and win it well.

“To win it 5-0 here with my team-mates like that - it cannot get any better than that. It’s the perfect time to let go of it.

“I’ve got my team-mates and I’ll be with them for a fairly long time tonight, I think.

“The Baggy Green cap means a lot to a lot of people and it’s no wonder.”

Australia captain Ricky Ponting admitted the scenes after the match were pretty emotional for him as he prepared to say goodbye to three of his long-standing team-mates.

Ricky Ponting enjoys Langer's company one last time

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"It wasn't so much about the 5-0; it was more about the occasion with the guys finishing," he said.

"I shed a bit of a tear out on the ground and had to stay away from as many photographers and cameramen as I could.

"Even when we took the last wicket, to think that would be the last time we'd be walking off the ground with Glenn and Shane is strange.

"The last six or seven weeks has been one of the best little periods of my cricketing life.

"For all of the guys to stand up and perform as they have through this period - and I guess for myself to score a few runs and feel that I've led the side pretty well - has been enjoyable.

"It is important that we enjoy the moment for what it is."