Australian captain Michael Clarke said his own poor form was one of the main reasons Australia slumped to an eight-wicket defeat in the third Ashes Test.

Clarke’s recent poor run continued in both innings at Edgbaston, as he only managed scores of 10 and 3. He was dismissed both times by the rejuvenated Steve Finn.

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The beleaguered skipper was also criticised in some quarters for electing to bat first when he won the toss, though few would have predicted Australia’s first innings would go so poorly.

“It is really hard to be honest. This is the way it has gone,” Clarke said after the loss.

Clarke’s under pressure after scores of 10 and 3 at Edgbaston.

“Cardiff we didn’t play well, we got beaten. Lord’s we were exceptional and got the result we wanted, and it was similar to Cardiff in this Test match. It is as simple as we’ve got to make more runs as a batting unit and execute better with the ball.

“I was really proud of the way the tail wagged this morning and fought hard. That is a really positive sign for us and that’s maybe what our middle order has to do as well, we’ve got to show that fight.”

Clarke dismissed the notion that the Australian team was unsettled by the fact incumbent wicket-keeper Brad Haddin was not recalled to the side after missing the second Test for family reasons, with Peter Nevill retaining his spot at Edgbaston.

“The spirit is good. I couldn’t be happier with the way the guys have worked, the way the guys have prepared. It is not as easy as just making a change, or blaming one person for the result.”

Clarke troubled by lack of runs

Clarke did not shy away from the fact he has not been producing runs for Australia’s middle order.

“For me personally, I need to turn things around with my own bat. I need to make sure I’m leading from the front and I’m scoring runs,” he said.

“At the moment we’re playing with 10 players. Our number four batter hasn’t turned up yet. So that’s going to make it difficult.

“I’ve got to keep the faith and keep believing it’s going to happen out in the middle.”

Clarke said the loss of James Anderson, who will miss the Trent Bridge Test with a side stain, may well tilt the series back in Australia’s favour.

“You don’t wish injury on anyone but it could be a little bit like 2005 when we lost Glenn McGrath, so his record is exceptional at Nottingham, and he showed his class in this Test match as well when the ball was moving around.

“But I’m sure whoever comes in will do well for England.”