England fans savour victory after 'Pom-baiting'

(GETTY IMAGES)

England fans Down Under were celebrating the Ashes victory in the streets today after a month of "Pom-baiting" from locals.

Joe Long, a 24-year-old teacher from Whitchurch, south Bristol, told how he almost missed out on his seat at the Melbourne Test on Boxing Day after his family's dream trip was thrown into chaos by delays at Heathrow.

Long, his brother Alex and parents George and Carol, landed in Australia on Christmas Eve - a week after their scheduled arrival.

But speaking at Sydney's Circular Quay, he said: "After that brilliant cricket, we feel like we've won twice.

"Our Christmas survived intact and, most importantly of all, we got to that Boxing Day Test.

"It was my first Test match and I don't think I'll ever see a better one. We were brilliant and have been throughout."

Dave Higson, 53, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was among dozens of Britons celebrating with a beer in 26C temperatures near Darling Harbour.

The delivery driver travelled out to see his brother and go to the Sydney Test which starts late on Sunday night UK time.

He said: "The hard work's done now but we are still going to have a hell of a few days at the cricket.

"We take so much stick from the Aussies, they're terrible losers which makes it all the sweeter for us being out here.

"Night after night we've been in the pub getting good natured abuse - I think tonight could be a bit quieter for us."