Captain Alastair Cook admitted to being surprised by England's Ashes success after watching his team reclaim the urn at Trent Bridge for a historic first time.
A record breaking opening day eight for 15 from Nottinghamshire and England bowler Stuart Broad, followed by Joe Root's fluent century, put England on the way to a decisive victory before six wickets from Ben Stokes - and a no-nonsense mopping-up off the tail by Mark Wood - ensured that the urn would be returning to England.
And Cook, who led England to a 5-0 defeat in their previous Ashes series 18 months ago, says even he has been surprised by the speed of England's rise.
“From the team’s point of view, to win like we have done is beyond belief,” he said. “I didn’t think we were quite ready to win the Ashes from the beginning because I didn’t think the players had been match hardened.
“But the guys out there have surprised me, we have won really critical moments and players have really stepped up, which shouldn’t surprise me but it has.
“They have really made that big step from guys with listening experience to match-winners and hardened professionals.
"When the pressure was on in this game, there was a lot pressure on that first morning, and every one of those guys can be proud of the way they’ve handled the pressure.”
Cook highlighted the climical bowling of Broad, who passed 300 Test wickets on his home ground, as the series clinching performance.
“Clearly led by Stuart Broad in the first hour and a half, we’ve done pretty much all the damage in the game,” said Cook. “Bowl a side out for 60 and you have pretty much won the game if you bat well.
“Obviously Joe Root did that, but the other guys stood up to the pressure Jimmy Anderson and they can be very proud of their three day's work."
Cook also paid tribute to departing Australia captain Michael Clarke, who chose the day the Ashes was relinquished to announce his retirement from international cricket.
“We have to remember Michael Clarke for what he has done for Australian cricket,” he added. “He is a fantastic cricketer and we have had plenty of battles both as captain and as players.
“He’s a fantastic batsman and a fantastic leader because his results have been brilliant over a long period of time.
“It hasn’t always been a pleasure playing against him because he has scored a lot of runs against us. He has been a true ambassador for the sport and should be very proud of his cricket.”