ENGLAND may have broken a 24-year duck by beating Australia in their own back yard this winter but retiring batsman Paul Collingwood said celebrating with the Barmy Army made the SCG feel just like home.

With rain hovering overhead the tourists took the three wickets they needed to condemn their hapless hosts to yet another innings defeat in Sydney, placing the finishing touches on a 3-1 series victory in the process.

The team immediately broke out into joyous celebrations in the middle before making their way to share the moment with the huge English contingent in the Victor Trumper Stand.

For Collingwood it was a bitter sweet moment: the end of his Test career and also its pinnacle, and he thanked his side’s followers for ensuring it was enjoyed in the right fashion.

‘‘I’m a softie really. There were times when I had goose bumps,’’ he conceded.

‘‘I always said I wanted to bow out in England in front of English fans and it felt like home here.

‘‘The atmosphere out there was special. The lads standing in the slips were all looking at our arms and we had goose bumps going up them.

‘‘It is a sad moment in many ways but I honestly think it is the right time. This is why I’ve been playing cricket - to be in a position like this against Australia in Australia.

‘‘There are some great guys in that dressing room and this feels very special. To bow out in front of so many English fans, having won the Ashes in Australia, it couldn’t get any better.’’