Australia's eight successive Ashes series wins from 1989 to 2003 under Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh.

Australia 8 consecutive series wins

1989 – won 4-0

1991-92 – won 3-0

1993 – won 4-1

1994-95 – won 3-1

1997 – won 3-2

1998-99 – won 3-1

2001 – won 4-1

2002-03 – won 4-1

While diverse in their physical attributes, all three men shared the common traits of courage, commitment and astuteness that helped to ingrain a culture of complete confidence into the Australia Test side.

Their contributions in the first Test of the 1989 series at Headingley provided a glimpse towards the 19-year-period of dominance that was to follow.

The 1998-1999 Ashes series marked a fitting end to Taylor's career, when Australia wrapped up a 3-1 home triumph in front of Taylor's home crowd at the SCG

But after putting personal problems aside to ensure the Aussies coasted to an unassailable 4-0 series lead, Tugga saved his best for last.

As Waugh soaked up a delirious ovation from an adoring Sydney crowd, a hint of irony could be seen in the way the England team applauded the Australia captain as he marched off the ground.

This sincere act of sportsmanship was indicative of the relationship between the two sides over the previous eight series; Australia had simply risen to a level of performance that England could only marvel at.