Smith proud of the way his Ashes team 'stood up'

Australia skipper Steve Smith said yesterday he will have a drink with Ben Stokes and reflect on a “fun” Ashes series, while praising his team for adapting to all scenarios in winning the five-Test showdown.

- 

The hosts completed a five-wicket win at the Sydney Cricket Ground after lunch on day five for a thumping 4-1 series victory, retaining the famous urn for at least another 18 months.

Touted to be a close-fought contest, the Ashes was all over inside three Tests with Australia superior in all departments despite missing some key players.

"It was nice to finish on a high note and we know the importance of every Test match in terms of the World Test Championship," said Smith, with points at stake in Sydney.

"It was a good game of Test cricket and it was a well-earned victory."