Sydney toasts Ashes heroes

Thousands of fans gathered at the iconic Opera House in Sydney to celebrate Australia's whitewash of the Ashes series. (AFP image)

Michael Clarke looked very dapper in his sunglasses and was cheered all the way onto the stage. This represent a massive turnaround for Clarke, who was considered Australia's most unfavorable captain. (AFP image)

Mitchell Johnson wades in like a Superhero. And he played like one too, taking an astounding 37 wickets in just five Ashes Tests. (AFP image)

Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson arm-in-arm, future Hall of Famers for Australia. (AFP image)

Shane Watson smiling?!?!?! That's not something we see very often on the cricket field. (AFP image)

Clarke led by example at the Opera House, signing autographs and posing for photos throughout the day. (AFP image)

Two senior statesman of the Australia setup, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and coach Darren Lehmann, soaked in the atmosphere from the sidelines. (AFP image)

And finally, it was time to lift the Ashes urn once again. Never gets boring, does it? (AFP image)