I'd be half the player I was without my wife Kyly: Michael Clarke

Kyly and Michael Clarke

London: Michael Clarke insists there are no divisions in his beaten Ashes squad. Clarke will retire after the final Ashes Test at The Oval, having endured a miserable run of form with the bat this summer and led his team to series defeat already.

Also Read: What happens if you get a 100 in the next Test?: Kyly asked Michael Clarke


Kyly and Michael Clarke

Australia can only limit the damage at best in the fifth Test - because after successive defeats at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge, they are 3-1 down with only one to play.

Also Read: I'll have one more Test and that's it, says Michael Clarke

Clarke confirmed, after his team lost by an innings and 78 runs in Nottingham, that he intends to play his final Test and captain his country one last time at The Oval. He has since spoken out, though, to dismiss mutterings from some observers that Australia - 5-0 victors over England on home soil two winters ago - have become divided.

"I can guarantee you, the feeling in this group is exceptional," the 34-year-old told Triple M Radio. "There is no disharmony is this group whatsoever. The players are as tight as any team I've been a part of."

'Absolute garbage'
He has dismissed the suggestion too that the presence on tour of the players' wives or girlfriends has somehow distracted them.

"That's absolute garbage," said Clarke, who was accompanied by his wife Kyly to Saturday morning's post-match press conference at Trent Bridge in which he explained why he had decided to retire.

"I'll give back 10 of my Test 100s if it wasn't for my beautiful wife," he added. "I'd be half the player I was without her."