Sydney: Prime Minister Tony Abbott has encapsulated the jubilant mood Down Under in saying Christmas has come early for Australian sports fans after Australia's emphatic Ashes win.
Michael Clarke's team regained the Ashes just four months after the last series defeat in England by completing a third comprehensive test victory on home soil on Tuesday.
As the team shed tears of joy and loudly celebrated the win, Australian sportsmen and commentators were quick to offer their congratulations on social media.
"How good is this!!!" tweeted former paceman Glen McGrath. Fellow bowling great Shane Warne added, "Congrats and enjoy boys!"
With two matches remaining in the series, McGrath's breast cancer charity the McGrath Foundation ominously tweeted "We're dreaming of a whitewash Christmas, just like the ones we used to know!"
