England spinner Graeme Swann heralded an "amazing series" after England retained the Ashes in Melbourne.

Swann took one of the three wickets needed to wrap up a first successful series in Australia for 24 years, as England recorded a crushing innings and 157-run win at the MCG.

Chris Tremlett snared Mitchell Johnson, Swann had Peter Siddle caught in the deep and Tim Bresnan took the historic wicket of Ben Hilfenhaus to kickstart the celebrations.

"It's been an amazing series," Swann said. "It's fluctuated so wildly. After the hammering we got in Perth it took a mammoth effort to come back.

"I think the difference to me is we had a few more guys in good nick with bat and ball. They have some unbelievable players but Ricky Ponting has not had a good score, how we've managed that I'll never know and he's one of the best players going.

"I was hoping I'd take the last wicket, but it's fitting that 'Bres' got it. I'm over the moon. I said before I wouldn't bother if I didn't take a wicket in the series as long as we won it."

Bresnan, for whom the Test marked his first of the tour, admitted: "It's an unbelievable feeling. I think we'll have a few decent days of celebrations now.

"The bowlers worked in partnerships and created pressure and that became wickets."

Batsman Ian Bell admitted the win will take some time to sink in in the England dressing room.

"This is one of the best moments," he said. "Winning at the MCG in the Boxing Day Test, especially after this performance, it's fantastic.

"We're a bit gobsmacked. The performances we've done out here have been fantastic since we've arrived.

"To retain the Ashes, we've worked very hard for this. Now we have to prepare for Sydney and we hope to end the series on a high. We want to put in a good performance in Sydney.

"At times Australia have shown they're a good side but we've also played some good cricket. Our batting, bowling and fielding has been fantastic and it's good we've been able to play consistent cricket for some time now."

England skipper Andrew Strauss had nothing but praise for his side and also paid tribute to coach Andy Flower for his part in their success.

"I had hoped we would retain the Ashes, but you know how much hard work is needed," he said.

"We did a lot of planning for this series and knew what we wanted to do, but it's another thing going out and doing it.

"A lot of credit goes out to Andy Flower and the backroom staff, but also the players on the pitch who did a fantastic job. Now we want to go out and win the series but it's pretty amazing what we've achieved here."