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.

New One-Day Cup format announced

A new format, 45-over, split innings, 12-a-side one-day cricket format will be trialled in Australia's national one-day cup this summer.

The modified format was developed following a strong message from fans that one-day cricket is their favourite format but it needs refreshing to retain that status, said Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland.

"We have listened to the public, undertaken comprehensive consultation across Australian cricket and developed a format which we now want to test thoroughly this summer," he said.

Key features of the new format include:

- 45 overs per team with split innings of 20 and 25 overs.

- A maximum of 12 overs by any one bowler.

- 10 wickets per team and 12 players per team - teams can bat any 11 of the 12 and field any 11 of the 12.

- A maximum of two bouncers per over.

- A new ball from each end at the start of the innings and no replacement new balls.

- No power plays

- Fielding restrictions: Overs 1-5 = 2 fielders outside the circle; 6-20 = 4 outside; 21-25 = 2 outside, 26-45 = 4 outside.

The new format will be played in all 31 matches of the national one-day cup, played between all States.

Match points will include one point for a first innings lead which is retained even if the side leading then eventually loses, and four points for a win, with five points if a team leads at the first innings and subsequently wins.

The final format was approved by the Board today on the recommendation of CA’s Playing Conditions Committee which met on Wednesday night.

Voting members of the CA Playing Conditions Committee are:

• Jack Clarke (Chairman)

• Mark Taylor

• Mathew Hayden

• Greg Chappell

• Shane Warne (absent)

• Paul Marsh

Mr Sutherland said the new format was designed to offer fans a combination of a quality contest in an exciting format which encourages players to combine strategic thinking with attacking cricket.