Warner the real Ashes enforcer: Clarke

Four years after Mitchell Johnson intimidated England with bruising fast bowling, former Australia captain Michael Clarke says that responsibility falls on the shoulders of aggressive opener David Warner this summer.

Clarke commanded a hostile Australian side the last time England visited for the Magellan Ashes, spearheaded by an electric Johnson who frightened the tourists with pace, bounce and relentless short-pitched bowling.

While speedster Pat Cummins declared he wants to follow in Johnson’s footsteps this summer as part of fearsome fast bowling attack, Clarke says it’s Warner who will be pivotal in setting an imposing tone with the bat and in the field.

Clarke wants to see Australia mimic Warner’s up-tempo, in-your-face attitude to take it to England like his men did in 2013-14.

"I think Warner is a key for Australia,” Clarke said at Wide World of Sports’ Magellan Ashes launch in Sydney on Friday.

“I've been saying it for the last two years. I know he's changed his attitude and approach and softened since, as Davey says, he's married Candice and had kids.

“But I think his attitude is the key to Australia's intent. When he walks out and bats with that intent he always has success.

“When he gets into the game, and gets involved ... And that's probably why I feel the frustration when I see someone as good as an athlete as David Warner fielding at mid-off and mid-on and putting his hand up to go field at fine leg, to me he needs to be involved in the game all the time.

“He needs to set that tone because it's in his character. He actually plays his best when he is aggressive with his approach, both in the field and even verbally at times, but then the way he bats as well.”

The last Ashes series at home defined Australia under Clarke’s captaincy.

Johnson’s rapid-fire firebolts, Clarke’s razor-sharp leadership and the whole team’s ruthlessness when on top contributed to a 5-0 Ashes whitewash, an away series win in South Africa and a return to the apex of the world Test team rankings.

Now with the Ashes less than a week away, Clarke says Steve Smith has a chance to do what he did in four years ago and decide the identity of his unit.

“I've always been a believer that it's not so much what you say, it's what you do,” Clarke said.

“The body language for this Australian team is what will set the tone for their performances.

“I see the opportunity for this Australian team to really work out this summer what style of cricket they want to play.

“Are they going to go that aggressive approach like we did four years ago when we used Mitchell Johnson in short spells and not care about his accuracy?

“We spoke openly with our bowlers that our attitude was going to be from (positions) seven to 11 we weren't bowling blokes out.

“We were getting them caught off the glove, caught bat pad, caught third man.

“We had a set plan that we felt was going to win us the series.

“I think the Australian team is a little unsure about their style at the moment, probably because they've had so many changes in different formats of the game.

“How does Steve Smith want the Australian team to go about their work? How does he believe this team can get back to No.1 in the world?”

2017-18 International Fixtures

Magellan Ashes Series

First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets

ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets

Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets

T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 14

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21