Agency France Presse
London, August 19: Outgoing Australia captain Michael Clarke has said the Ashes series climax against England will be a test of his side’s character as they battle to restore some lost pride.
Australians failed to adjust to the movement created by green, seaming pitches at Edgbaston. They can expect a similar surface come the fifth Test at The Oval starting Thursday,
Clarke, who will retire from international cricket after the Oval match, is desperate that Australia should avoid further embarrassment.
“This Test is as much about our character as anything else,” Clarke said. “We need to play with that resilience and grit and determination and really fight as hard as we possibly can. “The past couple of Tests in particular have only gone two-and-a-half days.
“Part of our responsibility is to try and fight our backsides off and grind our way to a victory in this Test.” Having looked at the pitch– Clarke, who won the toss and batted at Edgbaston but saw Australia inserted at Trent Bridge — was clear on the likely outcome at The Oval.
“It’s going to be another really tough Test match for the batters,” Clarke said. “Another Test match that, if you win the toss, you’re going to bowl first. It’s going to be a result wicket. Someone is going to win – someone is going to lose.”
