Australia captain Michael Clarke has announced he'll retire from international cricket at the end of the current Ashes series.

SOUNDBITE: Michael Clarke, Australia captain

"There's no doubt I tried to be as positive as I possibly could right to the end, for the team's sake, for my sake as well, I wanted to give myself and the team every opportunity to come out here and play our best cricket in this Test match. I wanted to send a really positive message to my team-mates."

SOUNDBITE: Michael Clarke, Australia captain

"The selectors have not spoken to me, or didn't speak to me, about being dropped or standing down or retiring. I made the decision late last night with my beautiful wife and spoke to my family. And then this morning I had a conversation with Darren Lehmann (Australia coach) and Rod Marsh (national selector) and told them what I was going to do, and they were both extremely respectful and thankful for what I've given Australian cricket."

SOUNDBITE: Michael Clarke, Australia captain

"I'm not sad about this being the right time to walk away because I believe it is the right time. I've been blessed to have had the career I've had. I've played over a hundred Test matches for my country, I've been a part of some amazing teams."

SOUNDBITE: Michael Clarke, Australia captain

"Again I've always said cricket owes me nothing I owe it everything and I still believe that."

SOUNDBITE: Michael Clarke, Australia captain

"The last thing I want to do is take the thunder away from Alastair Cook and the England team. They deserve all the credit in the world, they've played exceptionally well, and I'm very confident they'll get that credit."

SOUNDBITE: Michael Clarke, Australia captain

"Yeah, I think Smithy's (Steve Smith) ready. Again it's not my place to say who is the next captain, that will be decided by the selectors. I think Smithy had the opportunity through the Australian summer and showed that he's going to make a good captain and, only time will tell, but I've certainly got faith in him, I believe in him."