WANDERERS boss Gary Megson has congratulated England’s cricketers for regaining the Ashes — but admitted to feeling a little sympathy for the Australians.

England’s heroes won back the urn after recording a 197-run win at the Oval on Sunday.

The Aussies were sent packing despite taking more runs and wickets in the enthralling series.

And in sympathising with Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting, pictured, Megson drew parallels with his own side’s shortcomings after they failed to score in 17 attempts on goal in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Hull.

“The Australians were saying all the same things that I was after the game on Saturday,” said the Bolton boss.

“They took more wickets and scored more runs but they didn’t win the Ashes — end of story.

“A lot of things go into preparing for football matches and I presume it’s the same for cricket matches, but you’ve got to get runs on the board in cricket and we’ve got to get the goals.”

Nevertheless, Megson praised his fellow countrymen’s achievements in beating the Australians.

“It was fantastic,” he said. “Ricky Ponting is one of the best captains of any sport side in the world and is a real class act, and for us to beat a side like that is great for us.

“The English lads should be really proud because they’ve done really well.”