Clarke Calling Time After 5th Test

The pressure on Michael Clarke has finally taken its toll.

The Australian skipper has decided to retire at the end of the current Ashes series.

Clarke has averaged 16.71 in the current series, which is the second worst by an Ashes captain after Ricky Ponting.

The short ball in particular has troubled him, and his performances have been reflected by the rest of the team. Clarke moved himself down the order to number five, but has still been unable to make runs. 

Steve Smith is seen as the permanent replacement, though he hasn't fired with the bat in this series either. 

His team has just lost the series, with England taking three wickets to wrap up a 3-1 series win in the 4th test at Trent Bridge.

Earlier today former captain and selector Allan Border came out in favour of Clarke playing on, saying he hoped there "wouldn't be a knee jerk reaction" to the demolition job in the 4th test. 

Radio Sport