Alastair Cook cited England's ability to produce some of their best cricket at "crucial moments" as a key factor in their Ashes triumph, after the series concluded with Australia claiming a consolation win at The Oval.

Holding an unassailable 3-1 lead heading into the final Test of five, England failed to hit the heights they had reached at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge as they slumped to an innings-and-46-run defeat inside four days.

A second convincing win in London for Australia, who had triumphed by 405 runs in the second Test at Lord's, did little to take the shine off the hosts' overall triumph.

Cook graciously hailed Michael Clarke's men for bouncing back in the latter's final international appearance, before reflecting once more on England's achievement.

"After losing the Ashes, to have played as well as they [Australia] have done in this Test match [is impressive]," said Cook. "Obviously we haven't played well at all, but credit to their character, to bounce back.

"I think you've seen how strong Australia are in this game, so to have beaten them three times is a huge credit to the guys here.

"We've played some really good cricket at crucial moments and it's been a great series to be part of. The crowd has been absolutely fantastic at all five venues.

"I honestly believe this is a really talented group of players. The fact we were huge underdogs at the beginning of the series helped us. There was not much pressure on us really and no expectation.

"We put pressure on Australia at crucial times, we managed to make that advantage count."

Cook has tasted Ashes success in the past, but acknowledged the significance of this latest triumph - after England had been beaten 5-0 in the last Test series between the teams.

"It's the culmination of a lot of hard work," he added. "Sitting in the SCG, [having lost] 5-0 - to rebuild a side, lots of different faces learning the hard game of Test cricket as young players, they've been brilliant.

"[I knew] it would be an amazing achievement to beat this Australian side, so it has to rank right up there. It's been a very different series ... two-and-a-half-day Test matches and sides getting on top and the other side not managing to come back."