Joy unlimited for Barmy Army

By Jonathan Agnew BBC cricket correspondent, Sydney

England needed only 34 overs to claim the seven wickets they needed for victory which sparked unforgettable scenes of celebration among their supporters at the SCG.

It has only been a consolation win at the end of a long series.

But the reaction from the crowd could not have been more hearty had England won the Ashes.

Hopefully, some of the younger players who could be back here in four years time will use the memories they will take with them as motivation and inspiration.

Caddick was the main man on Monday

Certainly, some hard work must be done if England are to compete on level terms with Australia more often.

Andy Caddick is a much maligned character - and he does little to help himself in this regard.

However, he bowled magnificently on Monday, taking five of the seven wickets to fall and burying any doubts about his immediate future.

Being tall helped, but he was also able to bowl more accurately than the others which enabled him to make the most of the uneven bounce.

Nearly every delivery caused an explosion of dirt and soil as it landed on the wearing pitch and while some balls climbed disconcertingly, others shot along the ground.

Batting was a hazardous occupation and once Bichel and Waugh had been dismissed within the first six overs of the morning, Australia knew the game was up.

Award for Vaughan

Glichrist - who was fined and reprimanded for showing dissent during the fourth day - flung the bat with great effect, and Lee also played some bold shots at the end.

But it was only a matter of time before England's bowlers finished them off.

Michael Vaughan was named man of the series, which is a remarkable feat since his team lost 4-1.

He scored 633 runs in the five Tests, including three centuries.

Mutual respect from the rival skippers

He is probably the only Englishman who would be considered good enough to replace his opposite number - in Vaughan's case, Langer - in the Australian team.

Waugh heaped praise on him afterwards, while Hussain hinted that he is England's captain in waiting.

But on the evidence of this game, Vaughan will have to wait a while.

Hussain might not have had the best series tactically.

But for his team to haul itself from the depths of despair to win the final Test speaks volumes for his ability to lead and motivate a team.

Your say - what does this mean for England?