Michael Clarke must dig deep into his reserves of self-belief as he approaches defining moments in his world-beating career.
At Trent Bridge this week, Clarke will merit hero or fall-guy status as he tries to keep alive Australia’s hopes of retaining the Ashes. The urn could be returned as soon as this weekend, if England prove as irresistible a force as they were in the third Test at Edgbaston.
There will be a crystallisation of Clarke’s achievements – as a great modern batsman and Australia captain – in the outcome of a series which could yet variously result in his fourth failure in England, victory at last or mere retention of the urn should the tourists turn 2-1 to their hosts into 2-2 over the final two Tests.
For Clarke, it is a significant complication that his own form this summer is worryingly poor – 94 runs in six innings enough to convince many he is nearing the end of his tenure.
The man himself does not dispute that conclusion, on the basis of irrefutable advancing years, but he is adamant he still has it in him to register a glorious finale at the expense of the old enemy.
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“There’s no doubt this is my last opportunity to win an Ashes series in England – for me personally, and for a number of the guys,” said Clarke.
“I’m coming to the back-end of my career. I’m 34 years of age. (But) getting out of bed to get better hasn’t become tougher at all. I think, when that becomes too hard, it’s time for me to walk away.”
Defeat in Nottingham would consign Clarke’s team to series defeat already – and as a veteran dating back to England’s overdue Ashes success in 2005, the captain would become the first Australian in more than a century to lose four consecu- tive times in England.
There are also two whitewash trouncings of England down under on his CV, of course, and two World Cups as well – with more than 8,600 Test runs, including 28 centuries, in the memory bank too. How Clarke would love to revisit those riches.
“There’s only one way to do it, and that’s by giving your all, your absolute best.” he said. “But I can guarantee you we’re going to have a red-hot crack.”
Of his own form, he added: “The self-belief is still there, because I’m putting in the work. I’m confident I’m a good enough player, and I’ve prepared well enough to walk out and make runs in this game.”
Earlier in the day he launched a strong defence of his position in his Sydney Daily Telegraph column, saying: “There have been articles questioning me for not having that hunger inside. I think somebody said they could ‘see it in my eyes’ that I was finished after this series. That’s a complete load of rubbish.”
