Australia test cricket

1999– 2007

The end of the millennium marked a turning point for Australian cricket. They had recently started selecting different teams for tests and oneday internationals following their final defeat to Sri Lanka at the 1996 World Cup and in 1999, Steve Waugh was appointed captain. Waugh ushered in the finest dynasty in cricket history. The West Indies side of the 1980s, who didn’t lose a series in 15 years, have often been used as the benchmark of success but they had a win ratio of only 58 per cent. Between 1999 and January 2008, Australia won 25 of 31 test series, losing just three, and defeated every test playing nation home and away at least once. They also beat an ICC World XI in 2005 in a one- off exhibition match that is generally regarded as a test.

Australia under Waugh revolutionised cricket. They were attacking, chasing wins as opposed to avoiding defeat, and twice put together runs of 16 consecutive test victories.

Won 25 of 31 test series

Also won three World Cups 1999 2003 2007

They had the firepower, with the likes of Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee and Matthew Hayden, and the core of the side also won three consecutive World Cups (1999, 2003 and 2007).