Tony Abbott had the English cricket team right where he wanted them.
The prime minister hosted the Australian and English cricket teams and their families at his official NSW residence, Kirribilli House, on New Year's Day for a few drinks.
"Here under an Australian sky, beside the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour, I think we can safely say we have the English cricket team exactly where we want them," Mr Abbott said.
He said it was a thrill to be hosting the teams.
"Obviously as cricketers you play this great game all year. But I think as an Australian you will forgive me this statement - the year 2013 ended much better than it began."
Australia is on the verge of a clean sweep in the present Ashes Test, thumping the visitors in four of five games.
Mr Abbott described the year in cricket as extraordinary, and praised England for giving "so many gifts to the world".
"Including cricket," he said.
"A good Australian summer is when Australia and England play cricket, a great Australian summer is when Australia and England put on the kind of spectacle that they have in this particular summer."
Australian captain Michael Clarke told guests the year had been tough, but in the end fantastic, for the Aussie side.
"I do believe that through the tough times it's made us stronger as a team."
He presented Mr Abbott with a Test T-shirt to be signed by both teams.
England captain Alastair Cook thanked his hosts, saying New Year's Day at Kirribilli House was almost a tradition for the visiting team.
"We all appreciate the opportunity to continue this tradition and to be part of this great, iconic location," he said.
"As a player, the Ashes tour is always a fantastic tour to be part of.
"Whilst the results haven't been great, the hospitality we have received off the field has been fantastic."
But he vowed to come back hard in the last game of the series.
"I'd like to congratulate Michael and his Australian team for winning the Ashes," he said.
"It's been a tough series for us, but the way you played has been fantastic cricket."
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