BURNLEY hero James Anderson and Matt Prior offered their thanks to the fans who have made the trip Down Under.

"I'm almost speechless at the support," said Prior. "This is a hugely special moment, doing a lap of honour at the MCG.

"To retain the Ashes here is massively special and all of these people have travelled a long way to come and support us. It's fantastic."

Anderson added: "The Barmy Army have been fantastic throughout this trip and have made a lot of Australian grounds feel like home for us."