Ashes win a great Christmas present: UK's PM

 Andrew Strauss

 British Prime Minister David Cameron led the congratulations for England's cricketers after their victory in the fourth Test ensured they would leave Australia with the Ashes for the first time in 24 years.

Cameron said he had followed the climax to the Melbourne Test -- which England won by an innings and 157 runs -- on his mobile phone.

"I think the guys have given everyone at home something to celebrate this Christmas," Cameron told reporters outside his home in Oxfordshire, central England, on Wednesday.

"I got up one morning to watch and last night went to bed with my BlackBerry so I could keep up on the score."

He added: "I look forward to welcoming the (players) to number 10 Downing Street when they get back."

England's biggest victory over Australia for 56 years gave them a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. As holders they will retain the Ashes -- the first time they have done so since 1986/87 -- even if the hosts win the final Test.

Cameron joked that he had no sympathy for the Australian team -- before correcting himself.

"No, none," he said. "We have had so many defeats over the years from great Australian sides, and it is wonderful to see Shane Warne in a commentary box rather than on the pitch.

"I take back what I said -- sympathy to the Australians. But it doesn't get any better than beating the Australians at home."

With England taking the three wickets they needed for victory in Wednesday's first session, most British newspapers had time to cover the triumph in their later editions.

The Daily Telegraph's news section was dominated by a large picture of England's players celebrating under the headline, "Glorious day for English cricket."