Aussies achieve incredible 98-year Test record

With victory in the third Ashes Test, Australia has achieved a remarkable piece of history not seen since before the days of Bradman.

Steve Smith's side reclaimed the Ashes on Monday by crushing England by an innings and 41 runs in Perth.

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Australia ruthlessly took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series - needing just one session to roll the hapless tourists for 218 and reclaim the Ashes.

On the back of their 5-0 whitewash in the 2013/14 series, the Aussies have now won eight-straight Ashes Tests at home.

The last time an Australian side achieved that feat was way back in 1920-1925, before the great Sir Donald Bradman was even playing.

The Aussies have also now won four consecutive Tests after losing the toss.

It's only the second time an Australian side has done that, and the first since 1921.

However there is cause for optimism if you're an Englishman - the Poms have gone 3-0 down in Australia three times since 1924, and gone on to win the next Ashes at home every time.

Skipper Steve Smith, who also celebrated a career highlight with his Test-best score of 239 at the WACA, has set his sights on another 5-0 whitewash.

Only three Australian teams - in 1920/21; 2006/07 and 2013/14 - have achieved the 5-0 feat.

"I would love to do that," said Smith, who admitted crying in the WACA dressing room when his emotions tipped over.

"I was part of the series back in 2013/14 when we did that and it was an amazing part of my life and everyone else's that was involved as well.

"We'll just take it one step at a time at the moment - and first of all enjoy the success we've had over the last couple of weeks."

with AAP