The Ashes: Australia’s Michael Clarke confirmed as skipper for final Test

England captain Alastair Cook shakes hands with Australian skipper Michael Clarke after the fourth Ashes Test match following England’s series clinching victory at Trent Bridge on Saturday.

Controversial selection choices for the team were also reported to be reasons for disunity, Xinhua news agency reported.

Anderson, meanwhile, who missed out on playing in the fourth Test after picking up a side strain at Edgbaston the week before, is working hard to get back for the fifth and final Ashes Test.

A News Limited report on Monday had suggested problems between the players’ partners and said Clarke refused to travel on the team bus and socialise with team-mates. “His back problems meant he was unlikely to play deep into his 30s and so to get to 115 Test caps, as it will be after the fifth Test at The Oval, is a great achievement”.

Clarke’s comments came as the same newspaper reported that off-field dramas had caused friction during the tour, including a long-running feud between the wives of two senior players.

There is a chance the Southern Stars could take three spinners into the game so Ferling was one of about four players vying for two spots in the team.

Lehmann, who has been assured his own position is safe, acknowledged that Clarke might be one of several ageing Australian stars to be playing in their last Ashes.

“There’s going to be some tough times but the talent we have in the Australian sporting community is like no other”.

“I can guarantee you that the feeling in this group is exceptional”. “You don’t get everything right”.

There appears to be little doubt that Smith will be the man to share the burden with Lehmann, though his appointment will have to be formally approved after Clarke’s swansong at the Oval.

“Selectors did not speak to me at all about being dropped or standing down or retiring”, said Clarke.

“I know that is something Michael has always been very strong on – and I’ll take that same road as well”.

“I think he thoroughly deserves to lead the team going forward”, he told Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek.

But, nearly inevitably, Lehmann’s request was met by suggestions his time would be better spent reviewing Australia’s latest loss, rather than watching football.

Australia’s young and prodigious number three batting star Steven Smith may have lost his top spot in ICC Test rankings, but is set for bigger things in his young and improving career.