England defeated Australia at the Oval to reclaim the Ashes. The result marks a positive step forward for the team after a poor winter in the Caribbean.

Throughout the series there have been ups and downs and the overall result was in doubt even last night.

The Ashes is always special but this series had the added spice of being Andrew Flintoff's last. For a generation Flintoff has been the stand-out player for England, with match winning performances and a common touch that has captured the hearts of the nation. When he announced his retirement from Test cricket at the tender age of 30, many eyebrows were raised. Flintoff though hasn't played consistently for England since 2005 and the injuries have taken their toll on his body.

For the Australians this series was important. They were beaten by South Africa in the winter and with the stars of yester-year now gone their position as number one side in the world was under threat.

Both sides have found stars for the future. Marcus North, Stuart Broad and Jonathon Trott all showed that they will be around for a long time. Disappointments for both sides have been the veterans. Mike Hussey and Steve Harmison's days of playing test cricket may be over.

The ability to win the key moments is what has separated the two sides. England won pivotal moments and Australia didn't. Australia is rebuilding and I'm sure this team will be strong. England however has the opportunity to dominate world cricket for the next few years. After all they've won this series without Pietersen and a number 3 batsman.

Next for England is a tough series against the newly crowned world number one side South Africa. This will be a stern test but one that England has the ability to overcome.