LONDON, (Reuters) – Australia captain Michael Clarke was in reflective mood on the eve of his final test match against England at The Oval as he plotted a consolation victory to finish the series on a high.
Clarke, 34, announced he would retire at the end of the series immediately after his side lost the fourth test at Trent Bridge last week by an innings and 78 runs to relinquish the Ashes.
“There are no fairytales,” Clarke told reporters on Wednesday. “We really need to show grit, determination and resilience throughout this test match and play a lot better than we have done in the last couple.”
Clarke said he had prepared for the game like any of the other 114 tests he has played.
“It does not feel any different at this stage and I don’t think it will until the test match is finished,” he said.
“My focus over the last week has been preparing for this test and making sure my body and mind are as per usual.
“The boys have been training well and we are looking forward to hopefully finishing on a high.”
Clarke admitted his team’s performances in the series, which they trail 3-1, had not been good enough.
