Alastair Cook admitted the rain had slightly dampened England's celebrations after they retained the Ashes when play was abandoned at a wet Old Trafford on Monday.
England, leading 2-0 going into this Third Test, had come under pressure, needing to bat out the day to avoid defeat against Australia.
But with the hosts on 37 for three, they got a helping hand from the Manchester weather.
"It's obviously a great feeling, if a slightly strange feeling, today," Cook said. "It's been a bit of a strange day, but for the lads to retain the Ashes after three games, we've played some pretty good cricket in the first two games.
"We were behind the eight ball for quite a lot of this game, but we fought hard today and had a little bit of luck with the weather. It's certainly nice to retain the Ashes."
Australia declared twice in this Test and did most of the running, but ran out of time as the weather closed in, and England could be grateful to have come into the match in such a strong position.
Australia made 527 for seven in the first innings and then declared on 172 for seven this morning, leaving England with a target of 332 which soon became irrelevant.
"I think it's been a really good series," Cook added. "At Lords, we played really well. Trent Bridge was a nail-biting game and we were glad to get on the right side of that result.
"This game, it was an important toss to win, but fair play to Australia the way they played put us under a lot of pressure, getting 500 and plenty in that first innings, but we responded pretty well with the bat and fought hard."
Michael Clarke, the Australia captain, was named man of the match after making 187 in the first innings, but he would have gladly swapped his magnum of champagne for a few hours of sunshine this afternoon.
"I don't want to take anything away from England, they played good cricket and deserved to be 2-0 up," he said. "That's the price you pay if you go 2-0 down in England, there's always a chance of a bit of rain and we've paid the price.
"But I'm proud of the way we've come out and fought in this Test match."
Asked about his century, Clarke added: "It's always nice to make runs, don't get me wrong, and every hundred for Australia is something you're very proud of, but the result makes it irrelevant.
"I'd rather make a duck and have won the Test match.
"I didn't feel fantastic [at the start of the innings] and had a little bit of luck, but it was nice to spend some time at the wicket."
There is now a very brief respite until the series moves north to Durham for the start of the fourth Test on Friday, where Cook is targeting a series win.
"After three Test matches, I would have snapped you hand off to be in this position," he said. "It's a really nice feeling and we'll enjoy tonight and then go back to Durham to work really hard."
England have added Durham bowler Graham Onions to the squad for the match, while James Taylor, who was selected in the third Test squad as cover for Kevin Pietersen, has been dropped.
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