Cricketers pay rich tributes to retiring Michael Clarke — From Twitter

The left-armer’s full-length swing was far too good for nightwatchman Wood, yorked after a clutch of early boundaries off Johnson, and Jos Buttler, whose mediocre series with the bat continued when he was bowled off-stump, driving.

“His leadership throughout that tragic time was a mark of his character”, said Edwards. It’s the right time.

“As a player you build yourself up for the biggest tournaments, that’s what you want to be involved in, you want to play against the best”.

He quit ODIs after leading Australia to World Cup victory in March this year at home.

“The decision is never easy”.

However, that defiance has been dismissed in Australia where the belief he retains the right to choose the timing of his exit is fast evaporating.

Clarke made his most recent Test century while carrying back and hamstring problems in the Adelaide Test against India last December. “ODIs are about the World Cup and Tests are about the Ashes for us. I think my career, like my batting, has been highs and lows”.

“I don’t blame anyone in the changing room, but I haven’t led from the front”. I’ll take so many memories away.

“They were both extremely respectful and thankful for what I’ve given Australian cricket”. I know how good these Australia players are. That’s the most disappointing part. I believe I’ve been blessed to have the career I’ve had.

As the case for his Test potential grows stronger, Queensland opener Joe Burns says he is focused on just making runs.

Smith, who will become Australia’s youngest test captain since Kim Hughes, has been on a golden run of form with the bat, including a double century in the second Ashes test at Lord’s.

Michael Clarke was unable to lift his team throughout the series – apart from in their remarkable 405-run series-levelling success in the second Test at Lord’s.

The brevity of Australia’s innings prompted derision on social media, with Antony Green, an election analyst with state broadcaster ABC (KOSDAQ: FED642.KQ – news), noting the entire ball-by-ball summary could fit in the 140-character limit of a tweet on Twitter (Xetra: A1W6XZ – news).

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting estimates that eight members of the Australian squad will not play Test cricket again. Someone told us to watch the Ashes from behind the sofa.

He said: “Every one of those guys can be very proud of the way they have handled the pressure – clearly led by Stuart in the first hour-and-a-half when he did all the damage”. Stokes finished with career-best figures of 6-36. I started playing this great game at six years of age.

“But we have got to get back to producing first-class wickets in Australia that are going to have our players better prepared for English conditions”.

“It’s obviously a tough time”.

Australia were set to relinquish the urn from the moment they were skittled for just 60 on day one. “I’m thankful I’ve been able to play it for so long”.

“Now it’s time for the next generation of players, the next captain to have his opportunity to try and build the team and get them ready for the next Ashes series”, he said.

Daniel Brettig is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. He spent much of last summer working as a commentator, and a permanent move into the broadcast box beckons.