Clarke promises 'tough cricket' to win Ashes

New England, old Australia. Michael Clarke has underlined the fact that in the face of an evolving opponent, his touring side must stick to the methods that have reaped significant success over the past 18 months - and that includes an aggressive, occasionally unsociable manner on the field.

Both sides have been told at the pre-series meeting with match officials that the ICC will not tolerate too much in the way of verbal stoushes, something David Warner appears to have taken note of. But Clarke said he did not want to see his side shrink from the outwardly bold and brash attitude they have combined with a high level of skill and plenty of determination in series wins over England, South Africa and India, plus a World Cup victory at home.

Nor does he mind if the English press - or even some Australian outlets - paint his men as the latest incarnation of the "ugly Aussies" panned in broadsheets and tabloids alike at times during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. On the contrary, he thinks such talk will only help add to the edge in the air when the Investec Ashes series begins.

"I know we play a tough brand of cricket but we're also respectful towards the players we play against, and to the game of cricket," Clarke said. "A lot of it sells newspapers and it builds the series as well, so I'm more than happy for there to be a lot of talk about it. It's entertaining for the people who are going to be at home watching or come to the ground to watch.

"I think everyone knows where the line is. In the last Ashes series if anyone overstepped it, it was me so I have to make sure I set my standard and have the discipline to stay there as well, which I know I will. You definitely need to respect the laws of the game, you can play hard but play fair. You don't have to sledge to play tough cricket. It's as much about body language and intent and attitude as it is about verbal stuff that comes out of your mouth.

"I've learned from what's happened in the past, and the boys know how we play our best cricket. This Australian team, and any Australian team I've been part of, has always played tough cricket on the field but also understood and respected there's a line there. As long as the boys respect that I'll be happy."

Having played under bright sunshine in Canterbury and Chelmsford, Clarke's men were confronted by a pea soup of a day in Cardiff two days out from the first Test, and found the ball swinging and seaming lavishly in the nets. For now there is plenty of grass on the match strip, leaving the selectors Darren Lehmann and Rod Marsh to ponder their options. Batting wise the experience of Clarke, Chris Rogers, Adam Voges and Shane Watson in English conditions will be critical, and among the bowlers Peter Siddle is now under some consideration.

"It's got a lot of grass on it. It's surprising how much grass is on it," Clarke said. "So I think if it stays that way it's going to be interesting to see how it plays. I think it'll come down to what England are after. If they're worried about spin bowling, they'll leave more grass on it. If they're worried about pace, it'll have a bit more moisture in it.

"From what I'm see today and what the groundsman's telling me, I think we're going to see some sideways movement from the fast bowlers."

On his fourth Ashes tour, Clarke said he had learned to look as much at the skies as the pitch when deciding how to approach an English Test match. "A lot of grounds around the world you look at the pitch before deciding whether you're going to bat or bowl first. In the UK you look above more than at the wicket," he said. "When it's overcast you see a lot more movement around the country and when the sun's out it can be a really nice place to bat.

"The other thing is in conditions like that, once you get in as batsman you have to go on and make a big score. You're never out of the game as a bowler, there's always something there - whether it's the slope at Lord's or you get some overhead conditions, or you take the second new ball. There's always an opportunity with the Duke ball.

"So as a batter you need to know that. In Australia when you feel like you're batting well and get to 40 and 50, things become a little bit easier. Sometimes here it's not the case, you've got to work your backside off for your whole innings."

There is not a member of Clarke's team unaware of the fact Australia have not won the Ashes in England since 2001, and without Ryan Harris that task has been made harder. Nevertheless, they have plenty of experience, and a method they trust. Now all they need is Wednesday to arrive.