Wednesday 19 August 2015 10:28, UK
Mitchell Johnson has refused to enter the debate surrounding the legacy of Michael Clarke, insisting the Australia skipper deserves respect for his service to his country.
Clarke is to retire after the final Investec Ashes Test at The Oval this week having, by his own admission, failed to do himself and his team justice as a batsman this summer.
Former Australia coach John Buchanan suggested last week Clarke allowed the 'Baggy Green' team culture to be eroded on his watch, prompting Ryan Harris to defend the 34-year-old, saying "his life was the Baggy Green."
But Johnson, who admits The Oval could be his last game in England, sidestepped the issue, telling Sky Sports News HQ: "I don't really want to get involved in all that to be honest.
"You have to respect the player and what Michael has done for his country. I've played a lot of cricket with him, seen him as a junior, and everyone who has worn the Baggy Green deserves a lot of respect.
"I'm not going to get into the debate, I just think everyone earns respect and he has earned it."
Johnson admits Australia, who relinquished control of the urn with the innings defeat at Trent Bridge, have let their fans down this summer but they are determined to go out on a high.
"I guess from the whole team point of view we've under-achieved, we haven't performed throughout the series," he added.
"We probably disappointed ourselves and people back home, but we've got one more game to go out there and really fight it out and that's what we need to do in this last one.
"It may be my final game in England. You never know. I just want to play good cricket and that's what I've said throughout this Ashes series. I'm not retiring after this. I will continue and we have a big summer coming up ahead."
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