'Ashes celebrations are over'

Melbourne - The Ashes celebrations were over and it was back to hard work to make sure England go on to win the series against Australia next week, coach Andy Flower said on Thursday.

Flower said the England players were a little worse for wear on Thursday after partying in the wake of their comprehensive innings defeat of Australia in the fourth Test in Melbourne.

England are chasing their first series win in Australia for 24 years in the final Sydney Test, which gets underway on Monday.

"We celebrated on Wednesday and it's time to move on now," Flower told reporters.

"I've seen a few of the guys (on Thursday), but there are some conspicuous by their absence.

"The guys did celebrate on Wednesday, but they also realise their responsibilities to the team and the team's reputation, I'm sure they're all fine."

Flower said the tourists had come to Australia to win the series against Ricky Ponting's Australians and the job was unfinished.

"We realise there's a lot of cricket ahead on this tour and there's a lot of cricket left to be played in this fifth Test," he said.

"We came out here to win the series and we'll be doing everything we can to do that."

Flower reflected on the joyous England dressing room after winning the Melbourne Test to retain the Ashes.

"We had some really special times in the change room on Wednesday afternoon and I know for all the cricketers, those are times you cherish, when you've fought hard and come out on top," Flower said.

"They can enjoy each other's success and each other's company for a little period of time in the sanctuary of the dressing room and the families joined us for a short time.

"I know the guys enjoyed having their loved ones around them, too, to share it with."

Flower said he was confident that Australian David Saker, who has earned high praise for his work as England's bowling coach, will stay on in the role.

"I am pretty sure he will be committing himself to us pretty soon," he said.