Walters tips Clarke for middle order

Doug Walters, the former Test batsman, insists Australia need Michael Clarke in their side to win back the Ashes. Clarke was dropped last summer before forcing his way back for two games in Bangladesh, but he has said the selectors face some tough choices before the England series.

However, Walters, who played 36 Ashes Tests and toured England four times, told the Herald Sun Clarke was ready to resume his match-winning ways. "He had a brilliant start to his career, but then had one or two hiccups," Walters told the paper. "But he is going to be a good player for a long time. We have to stick with those sort of guys. Australia need to play him."

Walters said it was important for Clarke to have an opportunity at regaining the Ashes in the series beginning in Brisbane on November 23. "All of our batsmen would have learnt from last year," he said of the 2-1 loss. "In another 12 months or 18 months, we will be looking for some younger guys. Hopefully they start that this year by playing [Clarke]."