Michael Clarke accepts his captaincy is under scrutiny following Australia’s failed Ashes campaign.
But Clarke insists his motivations for the one-day series against England are team-driven rather than worrying about how it reflects on him individually.
“When you’re captain you’re accountable, especially when you’re not performing well and your team’s losing, so I understand that,” Clarke said ahead of game one of the five-match series in Leeds on Friday.
“But more than that, me wanting to win this series has nothing to do with my captaincy.
“It’s about this team and where we’re at. We’re trying to move forward and improve in this format and get back to being the number one one-day team in the world.
“That’s why it’s important to win this series.”
While Australia’s 3-0 Ashes series loss was attributed by most to batting woes rather than Clarke’s leadership, he hasn’t been immune to criticism.
Test great Matthew Hayden said Clarke needed to take more responsibility and questioned whether he had been thrust into the role at too young an age.
Clarke, though, says he’s not bothered by critics of him or the team and he doesn’t need reminding of the challenges ahead.
“It (criticism) doesn’t bother me,” Clarke told AAP.
“The (Ashes) result bothers me, that bothers me a lot.
“I’m doing everything I can to help us turn that around.
“I was as disappointed as anyone that we didn’t have success and what people say doesn’t really bother me.
“It’s about trying to get better every day and the boys are working hard so I can’t ask any more.”
While the Australians are fifth in the Test rankings they remain a power in the 50-over game, ranked second behind India.
Clarke said it was time the team started producing consistent results away from home.
“Our most recent trips to the UK have not been successful in the short form of the game as well as the longer form of the game,” Clarke said.
“Let’s hope we can turn it around.”
The first game of the series at Headingley is in some doubt with heavy rain forecast across the UK on Friday.
Clarke seemed to be aware of the threat when asked by a British reporter if Australia would “put on a show” for the Leeds fans.
“If you guys can provide the weather, we’ll provide the cricket,” he said.
