Clarke didn’t commit my mistake – Ricky Ponting

By the final Test, he was dropped after a run of poor form – having from the outset been shunted down the list in favour of Michael Carberry.

Prior to Saturday’s play, Clarke – in the middle of a prolonged batting slump – announced his intention to retire from global duty after the Ashes finale at The Oval later this month.

“After every series, we will sit down and review, and I think there is an opportunity for a reflection on our style of play”, Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland told reporters in Melbourne. If Cricket Australia is fair dinkum they should tap a number of players on the shoulder and start to rebuild for the next Ashes series sooner rather than later.

Already, Michael Clarke and Ryan Harris have retired.

“But we have two very tough tours this winter in the UAE and South Africa”. I think he’ll do a fantastic job, and certainly has the respect of the rest of his teammates.

“It is not easy playing away but it s something that we clearly have to get better at”. ‘I made a few changes but the main thing I did was stick to my strengths, ‘ said Root.

“I just feel so fortunate to have played any matches for Australia and for as long as I have”, she said.

Australia have been beset from the outset this summer by unavailability in an ageing group of players – dubbed “Dad’s Army” by one of their own former Ashes-winners, now Yorkshire coach, Jason Gillespie.

Symonds said the Australian batsmen were clearly to blame for losing the Ashes, particularly for their woeful dismissal for just 60 in the first innings at Trent Bridge.

Australia have only won three out of their last 19 Tests in England with the visitors failing to win a single game during the 2013 series.

Lehmann also chose to put behind the disappointment and focussed on the prospect of giving Michael Clarke a fitting farewell at The Oval in the final Test. “I’m actually looking forward to the last Test”, he said.

Batsman Marsh failed in both innings, while the lack of his brother’s support as a fourth seamer placed the Australian pace attack under additional strain.

Trevor Bayliss, England’s Australian coach, gave Smith his first taste of senior leadership responsibility when he he made him captain of the Sydney Sixers in the domestic Twenty20 Big Bash League competition.

“Congratulations to @ MClarke23 on his wonderful career, u will go down as one of the finest leaders the game has seen”.