Sportsmail's Ashes Columnist Brendon McCullum talks us through the build-up to England's pivotal Ashes Test against Australia at Trent Bridge on Thursday. The New Zealand captain believes Michael Clarke would benefit from an arm around his shoulder in the Australia dressing-room. I feel for Michael Clarke right now. Captaincy can be tough, and so can slumps in your batting form. But when the two things coincide — when your team’s losing and you’re not scoring any runs — that’s when you really earn your crust. It’s both the toughest part of the job and a great opportunity to show people what you’re made of.England face Australia at Trent Bridge on Thursday in pivotal Ashes TestThe split between Michael Clarke and Australia chiefs is a big problemThe omission of Brad Haddin in the third Test may have affected ClarkeBatsman is averaging 18.80 this series - way below many of his team-matesAustralia captain's form has steadily declined since his excellent 2012
It strikes me that there’s a difference of philosophy between _ and those who run the team.