The third day morning began with unconfirmed reports emerging from the Australian camp that Clarke informed his men before the start of the play that his time was up.
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Stuart Broad took eight wickets in the first-innings as the tourists crubmled to 60 all out.
Only Jim Laker has previously bettered that analysis for England in the Ashes – in the famous Old Trafford Test of 1956 – and there was no way back for Australia, after they were shot out for 60 in 18.3 overs.
After England had made 391 for nine declared in reply featuring Joe Root’s 130, Australia were bowled out for 253 in their second innings with all-rounder Ben Stokes taking a Test-best six for 36.
Michael Clarke, in a shocking turn of events will retire from global cricket after the final Test at the Oval after the Ashes 2015 loss against England.
Clarke’s own batting was a key plank of his successes, but his battles with physical fitness and differences of opinion with selectors punctuated his rein and ultimately helped to wear down his run-making.
“To win like we’ve done is just beyond belief”, he said. I am quite stubborn and it took a while.
“I loved winning as much as anyone so 2007 was a fantastic year, we won the World Cup, we won the Ashes 5-0 and obviously winning the World Cup in Australia recently is no doubt a career highlight. That shouldn’t surprise me – but it has”. “Bruised and battered, his courageous hundred against South Africa at Cape Town last year was instrumental in Australia defeating the Proteas and regaining the number one Test ranking”.
Despite the captain’s concerns there was just one blip – an embarrassing one when Australia levelled the score at 1-1 with a 405-run trouncing of their hosts at Lord’s.
Cook added: “They have made big steps from guys with little experience to match-winners for England, and hardened professionals and players for England”.
Their pace bowlers have swung the ball but found control and pressure far more hard to attain.
“They can be incredibly proud of their last three days’ work”.
Clarke had been adamant he would keep playing for some time before this match, but another terrible match for himself and his team has left no room for the sort of graceful home-ground exit bestowed on others.
Mitchell Starc, who spoke at the end of day two about the fact the sun would come up in the morning and that life would go on, lingered for 14 minutes before he waved his bat in the manner of so many who had come before him.
Clarke was quoted as saying by the official Twitter account of Cricket Australia (CA), “I want to play the last Test at The Oval and give it one more crack. the time is right”.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play over 100 Test matches for Australia”, Clarke said.
“You never want to walk away from the game but I think my performances in this series and the last 12 months have not been acceptable to me”.
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Cook bought into England’s new attacking psyche, updating his methods both as a record-breaking batsman and evolving captain. “I’ve always said the game owes me nothing, I owe it everything”.
