Malcolm Turnbull says it is all about 'beating the Poms' for Australia

Malcolm Turnbull says England captain Joe Root will have 'spare space in your luggage' after surrendering the Ashes

Malcolm Turnbull, the Prime Minister of Australia, has been revelling in the hosts' comprehensive Ashes win.

And, when he met the England team in Sydney, the Australian politician took the chance to have a laugh at their expense - as well as his English counterpart Theresa May.

The fifth Test gets underway on Wednesday and England will hope to end the series on a high, having produced an improved showing to draw in Melbourne last week.

Image: Australia skipper Steve Smith has played an integral role in their Ashes series win

However, the Ashes have long been surrendered after Australia secured victories in the first three Tests.

And Turnbull said on New Year's Day: "It has been a great series, it is wonderful to be able to say that we have the Ashes returning.

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"Congratulations Steve [Smith, Australia captain] and the whole team and, in addition to reclaiming the Ashes in the men's series, the women's Ashes has been won as well, so that is fantastic.

"To the English team, Joe [Root, England captain], you will have some spare space in your luggage on the way back [without the Ashes] - so I am sure there are plenty of opportunities for shopping!"

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The Australia leader also had some words for May, who remarked at a joint press conference last summer that: "We always welcome any opportunity to play the Australians at cricket and show them a thing or two, how it is done."

Turnbull said: "While we are celebrating, we don't mistake celebrations for hubris.

"The Australian team particularly knows they are always vulnerable to a schooling on the cricket field, as Prime Minister Theresa May warned last year.

Image: Joe Root and England are hoping for a consolation win in Sydney this week

"It is why our team comes prepared and relishes every opportunity to play England, it is the ultimate contest.

"There is no team Australia would rather face than England and beating the Poms is a great national endeavour!"

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