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'Amazing feeling' to regain Ashes - Smith

Steven Smith credited Australia's selectors with some "bold" moves after an innings victory secured the urn

Steven Smith reflected on an "amazing" experience as his Australia side regained the Ashes by going 3-0 up in Perth and set his sights on inflicting England's third whitewash in 11 years.
After a delayed started due to damp patches on the pitch and heavy showers, victory was sealed moments before tea when Pat Cummins removed Chris Woakes to secure an innings-and-41-run win.
Smith, who was named Man of the Match, made a huge contribution to the result with a career-best 239 while Josh Hazlewood claimed a five-wicket haul on the final day to dismantle England's second innings.
"Captaining an Ashes winning side is an amazing feeling," Smith said at the post-match presentation. "It's a moment we've been looking forward to, so much has gone into the preparation, the way we've gone about it was spectacular, 400 is a pretty good total but we come out and got a massive score and only had to bat once.
"I'm just so proud of the boys, the way we've been able to wrap things up in Perth and get that urn back it's quite amazing. The boys have just done a terrific job to get the 20 wickets we've needed in each game. We haven't won a toss and have probably had the toughest of the conditions. I'm just so proud of everyone in the changing room.
"We'll celebrate this one first, have a good time tonight then get to Melbourne which is an amazing occasion. Hopefully we can be 4-0 then maybe 5-0 in Sydney. It's been an amazing couple of weeks."
Smith gave a nod to Australia's selectors who took some big decisions before the series, dropping Matt Renshaw in favour of Cameron Bancroft and recalling Tim Paine as the wicketkeeper. For Perth they omitted Peter Handscomb and his replacement Mitchell Marsh made a career-best 181.
"Think a lot of credit has to go to the selectors as well," Smith said. "They made some really bold moves at the start of the series and everyone who they picked has done a terrific job."
Speaking on BT Sport, Smith called his pace trio "superstars" but also highlighted the role played by Nathan Lyon who has claimed 14 wickets and provided exceptional control.