Ponting: My greatest moment

Ricky Ponting described Australia's Ashes victory as the best moment of his career.

Ricky Ponting savoured the jubilation of Australia's Ashes whitewash over England, before labelling the feat the best moment of his career.

Ponting came under heavy criticism for his side's 2005 defeat, making a first whitewash for 86 years all the more satisfactory.

In a series that saw several outstanding performances from the Australian team, it was the skipper who picked up the man of the series award after scoring the most runs (576) at an average of 82.

Ponting admitted things could not have gone any better for him, but he insisted revenge was never an inspiration behind his individual success.

"I'm very satisfied but revenge has never come into it. I've never mentioned it once," said a jubilant Ponting.

"The cricket we've played has been as good as I can ever remember that we've played.

"Lots of so called experts said England would win. It's a great feeling right at the moment but I can't take that feeling for granted either.

"The last six or seven weeks have been the best of my cricketing life. For the guys to stand up, myself to get some runs and to feel I've led the side well has been enjoyable.

"We haven't made a big deal about a 5-0 result, but it's 80-something years since it's happened in Australia so we should savour it."

While Ponting rejected notions of revenge, he did admit his team had improved collectively after the pain of defeat in England.

"We've had to work hard and have a look at ourselves. I knew this team wouldn't make the same mistakes as last time," he added.

"We've played outstanding cricket, everyone should be proud about that."