England Team Director Andy Flower has said that England Captain Andrew Strauss was instrumental in leading the team that retained the Ashes in Australia and rounded off nicely with a series win, beating Australia in the Fifth test by an innings and 83 runs. The England camp celebrated after succeeding in a first series win in Australian for some 24 final Test at the SCG on Friday.
"I'd rather talk about the cricket, but the celebrations were good, and well deserved by the players," Flower said.
"We had a good time and I think the guys are reflecting on a job well done and a job that they are very proud of.
"All sorts of things go into what makes successful sides and Strauss' leadership is very influential factor in that success.
"He is very strong in the dressing room and in the middle with bat or marshalling the troops.
"He's grown in stature in this series, and considering the high position he started, that's saying a lot about him."
Speaking on Alastair Cook, Flower said; "He's overcome most challenges that have been put in front of him, which is testament to that strength of character and, considering that people were calling for his head not so long ago, it is an outstanding riposte.
"Although that's not why he did it, it was because of the pride he has in his own performance and because he is very proud to play for England.
"I am very happy for him personally, and we're all thankful that he made those contributions to the team for us."
