Video: Michael Clarke accepts underdogs tag on eve of Ashes

Australia captain Michael Clarke understands that England will be the favourite to win The Ashes series, which starts at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.

Michael Clarke, Australia captain“I’ve said for a while now we come here as underdogs, there’s no doubt about that. But that hasn’t affected our preparation and it won’t effect our performance either. We’re looking forward to a tough series. We know it’s going to be tough, but I know all the boys are up for the challenge.”

“I think every time I’ve played England it’s been tough cricket. Whether that be in the shorter format or the test format. I think the rivalry between Australia and England is something you look forward to as a player. It’s always competitive on the field, but in my career both teams have always had the ultimate respect for each other off the field and I’m confident this series will be no different. On the field both teams will want to have success, both teams want to win, but off the field there’ll be that friendship as well.”

“Our team meetings are done, our knowledge on the England team is done. Now, as I said to the guys last night, it’s not what you say it’s what you do.”