Australia captain Michael Clarke has said that he did not expect to be leading the Ashes series 4-0 heading into the final Test in Sydney.

An eight-wicket victory in Melbourne means that the hosts can complete a second whitewash in the last three series Down Under at the SCG next week.

"I probably couldn't have imagined 4-0, but I wouldn't say I didn't expect to win the series," he told Channel 9. "It's an amazing feeling.

"I think it shows the confidence we have. We have worked exceptionally hard and now have the confidence to play with freedom in the middle.

"Our goal is to win 5-0. If we continue to play the way we are playing and get the support we have been getting, I don't see any reason why we can't do that."

Clarke passed 8,000 Test runs as he helped guide his team over the line before tea on day four at the MCG.