Clarke looking for win at Oval by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	MJ Clarke, B Lee
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 19th August 2009

 

The Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke says his side will be going all out for victory in the deciding Ashes Test against England on Thursday. Australia go into the fifth and final match having levelled the series 1-1 at Headingley and needing just a draw at The Oval to retain the Ashes.

 

But Clarke insisted: "In the 50-odd Tests I've played we've never played for a draw.

 

"The forecast looks OK so we'll be chasing one result, and that's to win."

 

Australia squared the series with a comprehensive innings and 80 run win in the fourth Test in Leeds earlier this month, and Clarke says the mood in the camp is "very positive" going into the winner-takes-all contest.

 

"We know it's going to be a really hard Test, but we're in a confident position at the moment," said the 28-year-old.

 

"I'm pretty confident we won't be out there trying for draw. If we have no choice then we have no choice. I'd rather 1-1 than 2-1 loss, but our attitude won't be that when we walk out to the ground on Thursday."

 

Australia have to decide whether to include Brett Lee for the first time in the series, with the fast bowler declaring himself fit.

 

Lee took 3-37 against the England Lions at Canterbury last weekend but faces competition from Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark for a place in the attack.

 

Australia also have to decide whether to bring back spinner Nathan Hauritz after he was dropped for the fourth Test in favour of Clark.