British PM hails Ashes win

London - British Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday hailed England's first Ashes series triumph in Australia for 24 years as a "fantastic achievement".

Cameron said he had called captain Andrew Strauss to congratulate him after England emphatically wrapped up victory on the last day of the final Test in Sydney for their first series victory Down Under since 1986-87.

The prime minister, who has admitted to following the Ashes series closely, said: "I've spoken to Andrew Strauss this morning and congratulated the team, coaches and everyone behind the side on this tremendous victory.

"Retaining the Ashes was a fantastic achievement, but winning the series really is the icing on the cake.

"We've seen some great sporting moments over the series and the team have provided us with some brilliant memories that I'm sure fans will talk about for years to come."

Cameron said the whole country was "incredibly proud" of the team.