Disappointment of losing first Test has been replaced by pride, writes captain Michael Clarke

THE disappointment of losing the first Test at Trent Bridge has been replaced by pride, writes Australia captain Michael Clarke.

THE disappointment of losing the first Test at Trent Bridge by just 14 runs has been replaced by pride.

The spirit and intent we showed to keep fighting and keep believing regardless of the circumstances meant we were always in the game.

I’m so proud of the guys. There were questions asked about us when we arrived on this tour but we always believed we could take it up to England and we have proved just that.

In doing so we know we were involved in one of the great Test matches. It was a game that had just about everything, including a close finish.

Even though we lost we are delighted with the intense interest the game created on both sides of the world and are grateful for all the positive feedback despite not getting over the line.

We know that Australians expect a team that is going to give its all every time we play and that is exactly what we intend to do.

So it is with a great sense of excitement that we head into the second Test beginning Thursday at Lord’s.

To get so close when we know there are significant areas of our game that can improve gives everyone great confidence.

We need more consistency in our batting. We lost wickets in clumps at important times highlighting that when a batsman is set he must press on and cash in.

The ball moves more in England than it does in Australia so you have to be constantly on your guard but it can also be a great place to bat.

Ashton Agar showed that in no uncertain terms when he top-scored for us with 98.

What a debut from the 19-year-old. We encourage every player who comes into the Australian side to back themselves and play with freedom.

Ashton certainly did that. He’s a great example of a young player grabbing his opportunity.

There is no doubt he has the ability to play international cricket. It is up to him now to keep working on his game and improving as opponents start to examine him in greater detail.

Peter Siddle showed what an important member of the side he has become with five wickets in the first innings and eight for the match.

There were questions about Sids’ place in the side after some unproductive lead-up matches but you back your experienced players to perform in big games.

He is the only bowler in our squad to have been on a previous Ashes tour and his consistency over the last couple of years has been outstanding.

No one highlighted the value of experience more than Brad Haddin with his batting on the last day. He also reinforces the never say die attitude we have taken into this series.

A lot of people were surprised with how we took on England. We weren’t.

I’m delighted there are only a few days between Tests because everyone is up for the contest.

That it will be at Lord’s only adds to the excitement.

Most of our squad haven’t played a Test at cricket’s most famous ground and it is a real privilege to get the opportunity.

Lord’s has certainly been good to Ashes touring teams over the years. Australia has lost there just once in almost 80 years.

Now the series is underway and the early nerves have gone I believe we can play even better cricket.

The tension was certainly obvious on that first day at Trent Bridge, with many of the guys playing their first Test in England.

Everyone will be better for the experience and there are few greater experiences than playing at Lord’s.