England today clinched Ashes series by 3-1 against Australia by wrapping up the fifth and final match by an innings and 83 runs. This is Englands first test series victory in Australia in 24 years. The Sydney Cricket Ground triumph gave England an unprecedented third victory by an innings in a single series against Australia.England captain Andrew Strauss praised his squad for the victory. The series was wrapped up on the last day today with England only requiring three wickets and Australia having no chance of leveling it. Steve Smith was not out at 54 and Peter Siddle could score 43 when he was caught on the boundary by Jimmy Anderson.Ben Hilfenhaus fell to Anderson caught behind for seven and debutant Michael Beer was the last Australian wicket to fall, bowled by Chris Tremlett for two. England- 644 in first inning.Australia- 280 in first inning and 281 for all out in the second inning. Man-of-the-match and the series Alastair Cook was the series top scorer with 766 at 127.66. Anderson finished the series with 24 wickets.