Success Down Under as England women clinch Ashes

The 34-year-old hit an England best 92 not out, from 59 balls, as she batted through a successful pursuit of 150-3 with 13 balls to spare.

• Watch the highlights here (link to external website, pictures via Sky Sports)

Man of the match Edwards said: "This means everything to us. To win in England was really special but to come out here and win the Ashes in Australia in the multi-format is something really special.

"I love playing cricket for England and I love leading this team – and this is probably one of my most treasured moments to date."

Edwards, who combined in a match-winning unbroken 114-run stand with Sarah Taylor (50 not out), hit the winning runs when she lofted Erin Osborne to the mid-wicket rope.

It sparked joyous celebrations, Edwards raising her arms above her head as her team-mates rushed on to the Blundstone Arena pitch to congratulate her.

And Edwards admitted she was proud of her team as she said: "It was emotional.

"The last two games we haven't played as well as we'd have liked so I was pretty determined this morning that I wasn't going to give up the Ashes without a fight.

"I knew it was important that we played well here today – and we did that.

"This has been a real team effort over the Test match and the one-dayers and I'm so proud of these girls, what they've done and how they've stood up over here. It's a pretty special win."

With several injuries in the squad, including Heather Knight and Anya Shrubsole, Edwards revealed her satisfaction with the performances of the less experienced bowlers.

She said: "I've had a few sleepless nights. When you've got Anya Shrubsole gone down and Katherine Brunt's not here (it's a worry) but the young bowlers have stood up brilliantly."