Ashes Latest: Australia v England 2013
Ashes Latest and Australia captain Michael Clarke is shocked that his side have managed to win all four of their games against England in the current Ashes series.
Despite struggling at times in the fourth Test in Melbourne, Australia eventually secured an eight-wicket win against the hapless tourists and are 4/6 to complete a 5-0 series whitewash by winning next month’s fifth Test in Sydney.
England are available at 15/4 to win the final Test while a draw can be backed at 3/1.
The Baggy Greens easily reached their target of 231 on the fourth day, with Chris Rogers’ 116 and Shane Watson’s unbeaten 83 proving crucial.
To be 4-0 up… It’s hard to describe. It’s an amazing feeling.
Michael Clarke
An elated Clarke said afterwards: “I wouldn’t stand here and say I didn’t expect us to win the series. With the team we have and the amount of work the guys have put in for a long time, I certainly had faith we would win the series.
“But to be 4-0 up… It’s hard to describe. It’s an amazing feeling.
“Even in my own mind, after the first day, for me to bowl first I expected to bowl the opposition out on that first day.
“That didn’t go to plan, but it shows the confidence I have in our bowlers. Our bowling attack is outstanding.”
Andy Flower has hinted that he would like to continue in his role as England’s team director when the disastrous tour of Australia comes to a close.
Flower is set to hold discussions about his future with the new chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board Paul Downton this week.
Flower’s contract expires at the end of the current Ashes series which concludes with next month’s fifth Test in Sydney.
Speaking in Melbourne, where England lost the fourth Test by eight wickets, Flower said: “Paul (Downton) has arrived in Australia and I’ll be meeting with him in Sydney.
“We’ll talk about the leadership of the national team with regards to the coaching position. I’m very motivated to contribute to English cricket and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Flower also thinks Alastair Cook is the right man to captain England, even though the opener has been criticised for his leadership and tactical know-how during the current series.
However, Flower added: “Alastair has captained in six Test series for England and this is the first loss he’s had.
“He’s done some outstanding things for England with the bat and he’s also done some excellent things as a leader in the dressing room and out on the field.
“We are all responsible for this result – management and players.”
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