Prime Minister Tony Abbott has congratulated the Australian cricket team and skipper Michael Clarke on their Ashes whitewash.
Michael Clarke (right) takes a successful catch off Scott Borthwick (left) at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Photo: AFP
"Winning the Ashes five-nil is a historic triumph," he said on Sunday afternoon.
"Each of our players had the hopes of the nation on their shoulders and they performed with distinction to achieve this extraordinary victory.
"Australians are incredibly proud of them."
"To win so comprehensively after disappointment earlier last year shows tremendous character," Mr Abbott said.
The team was thrashed last year 4-0 in India and 3-0 in England.
AAP reports it was only the third 5-0 series clean sweep (1920-21 and 2006-07) achieved in Ashes cricket.
"It's been a roller-coaster ride ... the start of 2013 certainly didn't go anywhere near as well as we would have liked," said skipper Michael Clarke.
On Tuesday the team will be honoured with a public reception at the Sydney Opera House.
