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Michael Clarke critical of Australia approach in heavy England defeat

Michael Clarke suggests that the biggest factor in Australia's 169-run defeat to England was their failure to make the most of chances when they presented themselves.

Australia skipper Michael Clarke has accused his teammates of being too defensive in their heavy first-Test defeat to England.

The Aussies suffered an emphatic 169-run loss in Cardiff after just four days of play in the Ashes opener.

After bowling England out, the tourists required 412 runs to take an early lead in the series, but they struggled with the bat as the Three Lions took all 10 wickets on day four.

"We tried to play our natural game," Clarke told Sky Sports News. "Some guys played positive, others backed their defence a little more. Whatever we tried didn't work today.

"When you get chances against a very good team you have to take them. We know the conditions, we prepared really well, we just haven't played out best cricket. I think we have it in us to adapt to other conditions. I hope to see a bit more grass on the pitch at Lord's"

The second Test in London gets underway next Thursday.

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England captain Alastair Cook celebrates winning the 1st Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at SWALEC Stadium on July 11, 2015
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