WARNE HAILS AUSSIE WHITEWASH

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Warne and co bow out on a massive high.

Shane Warne hailed Australia's Ashes series whitewash as "a fantastic achievement" after England once again folded in the final Test in Sydney.

The home side wrapped up a 10-wicket win before lunch on day four after being set just 46 runs to win following England's second-innings collapse to 147 all out.

"To win 5-0 is a fantastic achievement by this group of guys," Warne said on Sky Sports.

"This team has played some sensational through the whole summer.

"England have played some good cricket at times, too, but when the big moments were there, the Australian cricket team stood up and someone's put their hands up."

The Test was Warne's final international match before retirement, and he added: "It's been fantastic playing with this group of guys."

Warne also hailed team-mate Glenn McGrath, who was also playing his final Test. "It's just a pleasure to play with someone like Glenn McGrath. He's been an unbelievable player and to play with him has been a real pleasure," he said.

McGrath himself believes he has never played in a better Australia team.

Cradling his two children, he said: "It's been an amazing series for us. At every stage, the guys have played well. It's been a huge team effort.

"I don't think we've ever played as well team-wise as we have during this series."

The third Australia player to retire, opening batsman Justin Langer, added: "We've been so determined to win this series and win it well and to win it 5-0 here with my team-mates like that - it cannot get any better than that.

"It's the perfect time to let go of it.

"I've got my team-mates and I'll be with them for a fairly long time tonight, I think.

"The Baggy Green cap means a lot to a lot of people and it's no wonder."