Clarke blamed his sluggish innings for making life tough for his team in a tense four-run win at The Oval early yesterday, which gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the seven-match series.

''Hopefully that's an area I can improve,'' Clarke said.

''I've got some work to do in the nets tomorrow leading up to [tonight's] match but hopefully I can score a little bit freer come [tonight].''

Clarke struggled against legspinner Adil Rashid on his way to 45 off 72 balls and was out on the third ball of the batting power play, which the Australians took in the 43rd over, to put his team at 4-190.

Man of the match Callum Ferguson was unbeaten with 71 off 75 balls and Cameron White contributed 53 as Australia posted a total of 5-260.

England needed 13 off the last over and when the 21-year-old Rashid hit Nathan Bracken for four on the second ball, it looked like they might reach the target, but they only managed 8-256.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times