Who Said What: Cricketers react as Australia reclaim Ashes

Josh Hazlewood's five-fer on day five of the Perth Test helped Australia beat England by an innings and 41 runs. The victory at the WACA helped Australia take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the Ashes and reclaim the Urn that they lost in England two years ago.

England captain Joe Root

"It's very difficult to take. Fair play to Australia, they've outplayed us in all three games. We have to be better. When we got here, it wasn't fit to play. Obviously it dried up as the sun and wind got to it, and by the end there, it was probably fit to play. The way Malan and Jonny played was outstanding. Those two should be proud.

"Our start wasn't great. Have to learn from that. The way Vince played in the second innings was proper batting. Looked like the only way they could get him out was with a delivery like that. Should sure take a lot of confidence from it. Have to make sure that we go to Melbourne, prepare well and put in a good performance."

Australia captain and MOM Steve Smith

"Couldn't care less about who got the MoM. Nice to get recognition anyway. Very proud about my performance in this game. Marsh played magnificently as well. Set the game up for us. 400 was a reasonable total. So proud of the boys, to wrap it up in three Tests here in Perth and to get the urn back is quite amazing. Lyon's been magnificent too. Boys have done a terrific job to get 20 wickets regularly.

"We haven't won a toss and we've probably had the toughest conditions as well. Weather was horrible last night. Haven't seen weather like that in Perth. Thought it was going to be clear this afternoon. Fortunately the boys started well this morning. Josh hit his lengths really well. Amazing achievement from this group. Credit to the selectors too. Made some bold calls. Everyone's they've picked has come in and done a tremendous job. Gonna celebrate this one first. Not everyday you win the Ashes."

Here are the reactions from the cricket fraternity:

Well played Australia ... Too good in all facets of the game ... #Ashes

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 18, 2017

Inevitable. The mentally stronger team won. Owned the bigger moments. England were better than the series scoreline suggests but lost key occasions

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 18, 2017

A few overs of brilliance can give you The T20. A couple of hours of brilliance can win you the ODI. But even a day of dominance doesn’t guarantee a Test win. Gotta love Tests. #Ashes #Perth

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 18, 2017

As we all bid a fond farewell to the WACA, Root needs to bid a fond farewell to one of his new ball bowlers! MCG & SCG present him an opportunity to start his young reign as captain again! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/tlDBcYU94Q

— KP (@KP24) December 18, 2017

Australia you f#%*ing beauty!!! ?????? #ashes2017 #returnoftheurn #3nil

— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 18, 2017

Yes Australia! The little beaut of a thing is home! #cmonaustralia ##???????????????????? #ashes

— Ryan Harris (@r_harris413) December 18, 2017

Well done boys... The Ashes are back home!! ??

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) December 18, 2017

Aussies? ??????? brilliant performance #ashes17 ??

— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) December 18, 2017

The urn returns!! Brilliant performance boys! #Ashes

— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) December 18, 2017

Great stuff Aussies!! The urn has returned!! Celebrate well lads ???? #singitloudandsingitproud

— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) December 18, 2017

Well played Australia. Comfortably the better side. They were far more clinical in so many ways and won those key moments in every game. #Ashes

— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) December 18, 2017

Congratulations Australia! Well done lads! ?? #Ashes

— Jason Gillespie ? (@dizzy259) December 18, 2017

Ashes regained ??Loved the emotion in celebration particularly from Tim Paine ??#Ashes2017 pic.twitter.com/hYHN2PhhJg

— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) December 18, 2017

Congrats Australia!! That’s why we are “obsessed” with pace - 3 blokes consistently bowling 145kph is the difference between the teams. When the ball isn’t swinging or seaming, the extra pace can still get good players out!!

— Daniel Christian (@danchristian54) December 18, 2017

Excellent Performance Boys ????How good is that ?, Great fast bowling Display...#Ashes2017 #Testcricketatitsbest #Australia??#5/0

— Fawad Ahmed (@bachaji23) December 18, 2017