Barbadian officials have yet to confirm how long it will take to replenish their rum stocks but, judging by the appearance of Australia's cricketers upon their arrival in Sydney on Thursday, it will be some time yet.

Weary from two days celebrating their World Cup triumph in Barbados and jaded from the 44-hour flight home -- which included a day-long "luncheon" in London -- Ricky Ponting's men battled through a series of official duties after touching down about 5.30am

First came a news conference. Then a breakfast with the Prime Minister at the SCG. Then an autograph-signing session and more interviews. Then a public reception in Martin Place before a lunchtime crowd of 10,000. And then, mercifully, sleep, from which they are

unlikely to rouse until the start of next season.

"I don't think it's a secret: at the end of a long, hard tour, I enjoy having a drink," said the allrounder Andrew Symonds, whose sunglasses remained firmly adhered to his face for much of the day. "I think we deserved it."

Indeed. After a third consecutive World Cup victory, which followed a frenetic Ashes summer, Australia's cricketers could be forgiven a celebratory ale or two (or more) -- particularly considering the occasion also marked the end of Glenn McGrath's highly decorated career, and that of the team's coach, John Buchanan.

McGrath was in high spirits, regaling reporters with tales of the Caribbean and his plans for life after cricket. Chief among those is spending more time with his family, which has endured in recent years the battles with cancer of his wife, Jane.

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"At the moment, it just feels like another day," he said. "I'm sure it will hit me later."

Just how the cheering of the Martin Place throng sat with the delicate heads of the cricketers is uncertain, but both parties seemed appreciative. The players proudly displayed the trophy, while the crowd offered a resounding three cheers for McGrath as he alighted the stage.

Eventually, the crowd dispersed and the players made their way home. But the World Cup trophy was far from its destination. After receiving a few dents during the celebrations, Cricket Australia will take the trophy to the silversmiths Flynn Brothers of Kyneton, in Victoria.

"The players and the cup were both a bit the worse for wear," a Cricket Australia official said.