Sky Sports - England in Australia

Named Australia's man of the series the last time these two met, vice-captain Clarke heads into the latest Ashes battle on a lean run of form.

His class is undisputed though, an average of 48.91 in 64 Tests a statistic that has seen him become a near permanent fixture in the Australia batting line-up since making his debut in 2004.

Picked out at a young age as a future international star, the right-handed batsman made his first appearance for New South Wales at just 18.

Having already played in one-day cricket in 2003, Clarke was thrust into Australia's Test team six years ago despite having a first-class average under 40.

He rewarded the selectors' faith by hitting 151 against India in Bangalore - an innings that suggested he would be a mainstay of the middle order for years to come.

But the superb start on the sub-continent - including taking amazing figures of 6-9 with his left-arm off spin - was not followed up and he was one of those to be culled after the Ashes defeat to England in 2005.

By the time the return series came around in Australia, Clarke was still on the outside looking in until an injury to Shane Watson presented him with another chance.

A successful home summer against the English, including his first Ashes ton, saw the 29-year-old become a regular again in the Test XI batting at number four in the order.

He continued to feast on the England bowlers in 2009, scoring two hundreds and two half-centuries in Australia's 2-1 defeat last time around.

He scored just 35 runs in four innings on the recent tour of India though, conditions he was expected to thrive in as one of the best player's of spin in world cricket.