Clarke honoured at Oval in farewell Test

After a week in which his character was called into question by former teammates and an ex-coach, Michael Clarke found The Oval awash with respect on Thursday from the England team which fast-tracked his retirement plans with an Ashes thrashing.

In England, a land where he has found minimal success and mostly bad memories, Clarke was given a standing ovation from a respectful crowd as he came out to bat for what could be his penultimate Test innings, before walking through a guard of honour formed by the English players.

Captain Alastair Cook stepped forward, removed his cap and shook Clarke's hand, before giving him a pat on the back as he linked up with his successor Steve Smith in the middle.

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It must also be said England's players have not always been enamoured with Clarke - his infamous "broken f***ing arm" sledge towards paceman Jimmy Anderson will attest to that.

But it didn't stop them from affording him an honour designated for the greats of the game - the guard of honour.

"It's something we discussed, you've got to pay respect to someone who's played as well as he has, so it was a no-brainer," said England allrounder Ben Stokes.

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“The respect shown for Michael Clarke was because of the phenomenal career that he’s had and the great player that he is,” England seamer Mark Wood said.

“It was just the right thing to do I think. I’m sure he appreciated it.

“I don’t know if it was planned, Cooky just said line up and show respect. It was the right thing to do.”

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And when his brief, but entertaining, knock of 15 came to an end less than an hour later, the crowd rose as one again.

No less than he deserves, vice-captain-in-waiting David Warner believes.

"All the greats of the game deserve that credit," Warner said.

"He's been a fantastic captain, a fantastic leader and good team man for us, especially over the few years I've been part of his career.

"He thoroughly deserved that today and it was great respect from the English cricket team."

Watch: Clarke's amazing Test career remembered (restrictions apply)