Women’s Ashes 2014: England's Charlotte Edwards in 'best' win

Charlotte Edwards described England's latest Ashes series triumph as her "best ever" after a nine-wicket victory over Australia helped retain the title.

The win gave England an unassailable 10-4 lead in the multi-format series with two Twenty20 games left.

"I love playing for England and leading this team, but this is one of my most treasured moments," said the captain.

"It means everything to us. To win the Ashes in England is special, but to win it in Australia is really special."

Edwards hit 92 not out, England's highest Twenty20 international score and the fourth highest by any female player, to guide her side to success in Hobart and become a five-time Ashes winner.

She shared an unbeaten partnership of 114 with Sarah Taylor, who made an unbeaten 50, as England chased down their target of 151 with 13 balls to spare.

Australia were 8-0 down in the series after losing the Test and first one-day international, leaving them needing to win all five remaining games to regain the Ashes.

They battled back strongly to win the last two ODIs, making the series score 8-4, but could not extend the fightback.

Edwards admitted: "I've had a few sleepless nights as we hadn't played as well as we'd liked in the last two games.

"With Anya Shrubsole injured and Katherine Brunt not here, we were under the pump with a weakened bowling attack, so it was time to step up.

"I knew we were going to bowl first as we had no idea what a good score was here. I thought their 150 was a par score, but after hitting those first two boundaries [in the first over] I thought it was a really good pitch.

"I don't think I've batted on a better wicket than this, but it was one of my best innings.

"As a captain, you want to lead from the front and I've done that today, but many others have contributed along the line and it's been a fantastic tour.

"I'm so proud of these girls as the multi-format tests us in every department. I was determined not to give up the Ashes without a fight."

Australia skipper Meg Lanning, again deputising for the injured Jodie Fields, rued the opening Test loss, which gave England an immediate six-point advantage.

"We didn't get off to the start we wanted in the series," she said. "But we want to play some good cricket in the last two games ahead of the World Twenty20.

"We were reasonably happy with 150, though we'd have liked a few more.

"But Charlotte and Sarah batted brilliantly and we couldn't stop them. We could have bowled a bit better, but that's the way it goes sometimes."

Batter Alex Blackwell added: "Credit to England, they deserved this Ashes victory, but hopefully we'll make it a short reign for them."

BBC Radio has coverage of every ball of the Women's Ashes series. Most commentaries will be available on 5 live sports extra with continuous coverage online.

Check out photos from the one-day internationals on BBC Sport's Facebook page.