AUSTRALIA captain Ricky Ponting felt his team had been well rewarded for their hard work after losing the 2005 Ashes series.

He said: "We had a long time to think about it and get ready for the series.

"We had to try to find ways to improve and I think we did that. I think this has been second to none.

"Adelaide was the best win I've been involved with and we will remember this win for a long time.

"We had to work really hard. That's why this team has been so good, really digging in and fighting."

Reflecting on last year, Ponting (32 tomorrow) said: "I wasn't hurting more than anyone else. It was one of the lowlights of my career but this is one of the special times. It is a huge occasion to win the Ashes back. It's elation as far as I'm concerned, and now I want two more good Tests from the lads."