Michael Clarke has vowed to continue his imaginative approach to captaincy during the Ashes, despite acknowledging his adventurous leadership might result in Test defeat.

Clarke’s captaincy came under some criticism following the last Ashes Test at The Oval when a bold declaration almost resulted in an unlikely win for England.

But as Australia seek to avoid a record fourth straight Ashes series loss, the 32-year-old said he needed to remain positive as he attempted to steer the underdog hosts to victory.

“I don’t have that negativity in me to be honest … it’s about trying to win a game of cricket,” Clarke said.

“I understand there are times and places when you need to put fielders on the boundary or need to be a little bit defensive in the game but that doesn’t mean my mindset changes.

“I will be doing everything I can to help our team win as many games as possible and sometimes you risk losing.”

Clarke’s opposite, Alastair Cook, has come under fire for the sometimes defensive and dour way he leads his troops.

Shane Warne is one critic who has taken aim at Cook’s captaincy in the lead-up to the Ashes series start at the Gabba on November 21, suggesting the opening batsman moves to a defensive footing too early and too often when in the field.

Once again, the Australians know they will have to force the issue in this series, as they did in their 3-0 loss in England, and captain Clarke said he is comfortable with any criticism that may come his way.

“The criticism comes when you play sport at the highest level and it certainly comes with being captain of the Australian cricket team,” he said.

“I don’t know any Australian captains who haven’t copped some criticism along the way.

“My focus is to help this team have success and the only way I know how to do that is to be as positive as possible and try to win.”