Bowlers not enough to win Ashes, says Clarke

Australian captain Michael Clarke has said that bowlers, however good, are not enough to win the Ashes, if his team cannot put enough runs on the board.

Clarke's statement comes after coach Mickey Arthur said that the Australian team has the best bowling attack in the world, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

However, Clarke said that even a best bowling attack falls short if there are not enough runs to put on the board, adding that it is necessary to be strong in both the departments to have success in England.

Stating that his team's focus during the two practice matches before the first Test on July 10 was to make sure that they are scoring enough runs, Clarke said that the team would also focus on giving the bowlers an opportunity to show their class, adding that they have plenty of time in regards to preparation to stay focused on what they need as a team.

Stating that the suspended David Warner was training 'exceptionally hard' in an attempt to regain his spot at the top of the order, the injured captain further said that although it would be tough for Warner as he would not get any game time, he is confident that the opener will do everything possible to put his name up there for selection for the first Test.

Meanwhile, Clarke said that his back is feeling better at the moment, adding that he is hoping to play in the Ashes as there are still a few days left before the first practice game.

Clarke, who previously had a genuine training session in the nets, further said that a decision on his fitness would likely be made on the morning of the Somerset match, although he added that the team's physiotherapist was 'extremely positive' that his back was improving daily.