This time it feels right to gloat

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I KNOW the rules. No cheering in the press box. As if that would have been heard above the rapturous ovation in which the Australians bathed when the historic 100th wicket fell.

But a few quiet words in appreciation of this wonderfully surprising Australian team before they reach for the Panadol and catch theirs flight back to families and states and franchises.

For beating England? Well, between us, there is that.

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Having left The Oval with the strains of "Stand Up If You're Three Nil Up" ringing in the ears, it is impossible for anyone who has spread Vegemite not to revel in this unimagined feat.

Once the English might have cocked a monocled eye at Australia's jubilation and sneered: "You Australians take sport too seriously because you don't have anything else."

Now, after Great Britain's indulgent celebration of magnificent achievements on pitches, courts, in Olympic stadiums and across French Alps, the Old Enemy can no longer pretend they take sport less seriously. Which in turn makes this victory sweeter.

IN PICTURES: SCG TURNS PINK FOR JANE MCGRATH DAY

That said, our appreciation of this Australian team is not motivated by spite. Well, not completely.

As much as we traded on England's image as a team replete with dark-hearted villains, their only offence was to successfully replicate the methods and mannerisms of the Australians who once tormented them.

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Stuart Broad a cheat? Laughable given most Australian batsmen would sooner walk bare foot across the Simpson Desert than away from the crease before an umpire's finger was raised.

Oh, alright. It has been just a bit satisfying to see the sneers and snarls wiped from the faces of Australia's recent conquerors.

How humbling for Broad that he left the field to pitying applause after a few late innings swipes, not the reflexive boos that acknowledged the threat he posed in Brisbane.

But mostly we applaud this Australian team because, amid the bombardment of marketing concepts and carnival cricket designed to make the game "popular", it has done so the old-fashioned way.

Australia has shone in both the bold and entertaining way it is has played and, as often, through the characters who have played it. Accomplished performers at the peak of their powers; rehabilitated stars seizing a second chance or relishing newfound fitness; veterans who can scarcely believe their luck. And, in Steve Smith, an endearingly fidgety young man finding his feet.

Veteran Chris Rogers celebrating a century at one of his many home grounds was just the latest heartwarming moment from a team that has provided more feel-good stories than Disney, complete with routine happy ending.

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Strolling from the nets to the sheds before play, Rogers would have been mistaken for a suburban accountant if not for his team uniform. There is a touch of normality, even humanity, about this Australian team.

Mitchell Johnson's snarling menace is despite a fragile nature, not because of a malevolent heart. Who would have thought he would be man of the series, and get to describe the taunts of the Barmeys as "water off a duck's back".

Ryan Harris thrives despite his boilermaker's body. Peter Siddle has, quite literally, gone bananas and contradicts the carnivorous fast-bowling stereotype.

Nathan Lyon seems every bit the diffident shy country lad. But by first enduring the considerable doubts of an impatient nation and steadily imposing himself throughout the series, Lyon has shown tremendous heart.

David Warner? Bad Boy or just a loved-up scallywag? Keep an eye on your Twitter feed.

What was more surprising about Brad Haddin? His immense batting average or that endearing photograph with daughter Mia that, against all previous scientific evidence, proved wicketkeepers have hearts.

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Statistically George Bailey might prove the theory great teams are measured by their weakest link. But as we have ventured before, the Tasmanian's contribution to the team's chemistry seems greater than his modest average.

Which leaves the odd couple Michael Clarke and Shane Watson. Is there a mutual respect? Mere tolerance? Whatever it is, as Clarke and Watson have lived together, Australians have appreciated them both more.

The sledging and intimidatory bowling that made some squeamish? If there was an English player reluctant to share a beer with the Australians he had forgotten the ribald sound track that accompanied his own team's success.

Is this a great Australian team? The South African tour will provide a tough, perhaps sobering test. For now, it is a team that has performed great deeds with tremendous spirit and that is more than enough.

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