Having already relinquished the Ashes, Australia's captain, Michael Clarke, spoke to the media as his side trained at The Oval on Wednesday (19 August) ahead of the final Test - and captain Michael Clarke's retirement.

Script:

SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Clarke, Australia captain:

Question - How does recent criticism of you make you feel?

"I've tried to avoid the media since arriving in the UK, so I've tried to stay consistent with that. I'm sure, like I say, I haven't read too much of the criticism or the positives, but I'm sure Australian fans expect the Australian cricket team to play better than we have done throughout this series, and they expect the leader to lead from the front and stand up. So, the criticism is certainly warranted and, like I say, we're looking forward to finishing this series on a high."

SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Clarke, Australia captain:

Question - How do you think you'll be remembered as an Australian captain?

"I've given my heart and soul to Australian cricket. Every time I've walked onto the field I've done whatever it's taken to try and help the team have success, whether I've been captain or just a player, and I've loved every minute. So I've been very fortunate to play over 100 Test Matches for my country and, like I've said before, I'm really thankful and grateful to all the players I've played with and played against."

SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Clarke, Australia captain:

Question: Would you prefer to be bowing out without an Ashes Series loss?

"Yeah, there's no fairytale is there. I'm extremely grateful I've been able to play this long for Australia. I think this is the right time, like I say, for a number of reasons, and I'm more than happy to leave. Obviously, I would've liked us to have played better in this series, and certainly me personally, but that's the way the game goes. I've seen that through my career, there's highs and there's lows and difficult periods, and I've enjoyed both. Without the tough times I certainly wouldn't be sitting where I am today, so I'm very fortunate."