Cardiff (United Kingdom) (AFP)
Clarke is the sole Australian survivor from a side that went down 2-1 in England a decade ago during one of the greatest Ashes series of all time.
It was the first of three losing Ashes tours for Clarke, with the now 34-year-old batsman also having to endure series defeats in 2009 and 2013, but in some ways the most instructive too.
“I think 2005 is one of my most special Test match series,” said Clarke on the eve of this season’s first Ashes Test in Cardiff.
“It introduced me to what Ashes cricket is. It showed me how tough the cricket is.
“The way the series was built up and the way it was played was exceptional. I would love to see similar cricket this time.”
Clarke, looking to lead Australia to their first away Ashes series win since 2001, added: “I would love to see the people of England get right behind the series, and the people from back home to be glued to their television sets.
