Sprinklers turned up to the full and champagne flowing as England team lap up Ashes victory with Barmy Army

By OLIVER PICKUP Last updated at 4:28 PM on 7th January 2011
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-1345030/Ashes-2011-Sprinklers-turned-champagne-flowing-England-team-lap-Ashes-victory-Barmy-Army.html#ixzz1APPc558f

The champagne was uncorked as soon as England reached their changing rooms at the SCG, having mopped up the Ashes series... and the players soon hit Sydney to paint the town red and white. Sprinklers were turned up to the full as the Barmy Army showered themselves and drank deeply to toast the emotional victory. The players led the party from the iconic ground - where legend Don Bradman made his name - and snaked their merry way though Sydney, dancing their favourite jig until the small hours and lapping up the special atmosphere.

The bubbly flowed as Andrew Strauss and his team celebrated a monumental 3-1 series win over the old enemy, Australia. With Chris Tremlett bowling Michael Beer before lunch to conclude the series - and secure a first Ashes win Down Under for England in 24 years - the players, and the Barmy Army, had from midday to crack open their tinnies. And it wasn't long before they, and the huge travelling support, were on much stronger drinks... at least judging by Yorkshire bowler Tim Bresnan's glazed look in the small hours. At the SCG Kevin Pietersen, still in his grass-stained whites, posed for the cameras grasping the precious little urn as tightly as the glass of champers he was swilling in the changing room.

And the retiring Paul Collingwood, who will never again take a seat in the England dressing room as a Test player, kissed the urn while swigging a bottle of beer. The 34-year-old bowed out after his 63th Test - and said it was the 'perfect' time to go. Friends and family joined the players as they celebrated in the ground, while the Barmy Army, festooned with St George flags and face paint, sung and danced before heading into Sydney to let the locals what they thought of the memorable series win. Ian Bell, who scored his first Ashes century in the Fifth Test, held hands with his stunning fianc√©e Chantal Bastock.  The Warwick-born former grid girl looked pleased as punch was she held hands with Bell as they entered The Bristol Arms Retro Hotel, where the Barmy Army's official end-of-series party was held.

Revellers paid AU$20 (¬£13) to enter the party, which started at 'sundown' and finished 'very late', according to the nightclub's website.  Players and fans alike swigged on ¬£10 beers - so expensive thanks to the weak pound. But having the chance to celebrate a series win that will live forever in the memory - and dance the sprinkler with their England heroes - was priceless.

And Retro, located in the heart of Sydney’s vibrant nightlife district, was the perfect place to party hard. The nightclub, which accommodated over 1,200 Barmy Army fans, has seven bars and rooftop terrace with views over the city.  There will be sore heads in the morning after the scenes, reminiscent of England's 2005 win on home soil when KP and Freddie Flintoff led the celebrations.  But the pain will feel worthwhile and justified.  And no one can begrudge England and their thousands of travelling fans their moment of fizzing fun as Strauss and Co. prepare to bring home the famous urn to a proud nation.