Wednesday 19 August 2015 14:49, UK
Australia captain Michael Clarke says the team are desperate to improve on their recent performances and end the Investec Ashes series on a high at The Oval this week.
The tourists have already surrendered the Ashes - heavy defeats at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge having put England 3-1 up in the series - and Clarke has announced that he is to retire at the end of the Oval clash, after a superb career in which he has averaged 49.30 in 114 Tests.
Ahead of his final match for his country, Clarke said he was focused first and foremost on producing a good performance.
"It feels pretty similar to every other Test match," said Clarke. "It does not feel any different at this stage, and I don't think it will until the Test match is finished.
"My focus over the last week has been preparing for this Test and making sure my body and mind are as per usual.
"The boys have been training well and we are looking forward to hopefully finishing on a high.
"We really need to show grit, determination and resilience throughout this Test match and play a lot better than we have done in the last couple."
As well as the tributes which have poured in for his outstanding career, Clarke and the team have also been criticised for their efforts in this series.
"I haven't read too much, I have tried to avoid the media since arriving in the UK," he added.
"Australian fans expect the Australian cricket team to play better than we have done throughout this series and they expect the leader to lead from the front and stand up, so the criticism is certainly warranted.
"It has been great but I think it is the right time for me and the team to walk away from the game.
"I think this team now needs some fresh energy. There will definitely be some fresh faces, and that fresh enthusiasm as well. I am really confident Australian cricket will continue to perform and continue to get better.
"I look forward to being able to sit on my couch now and follow the boys closely from there."
Clarke admitted it was disappointing to bow out on the back of an Ashes series loss, adding: "There are no fairy tales.
"I would like to have played better in this series, certainly me personally, but that is the way the game goes, I have seen that through my career.
"There are highs, there are lows and difficult periods. Without the tough times, I would not be where I am today.
"I have given my heart and soul to Australian cricket, every time I have walked onto the field. I have given whatever it has taken to try and help the team have success.
"I have loved every minute and been very fortunate to play over 100 Tests for my country. I am thankful and grateful to all the players I have played with and against."
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