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Michael Clarke: 'This is just the start'

Michael Clarke lavishes more praise on Mitchell Johnson after Australia's victory in the first Ashes Test.

Captain Michael Clarke is delighted with Australia's Mitchell Johnson-inspired 381-run victory in the opening Ashes Test, but has warned that there is still plenty of cricket to be played this winter.

Johnson recorded match figures of 9-103 and also contributed an important 64 with the bat on day one at Brisbane to help the hosts win their first Test match since January.

Clarke, who himself played an important role in the success with a second-innings century, hopes that Australia can build on their ideal start to the series, but expects England to come back fighting.

"There were some fantastic individual performances, none better than Mitchell Johnson," Clarke told reporters. "I really hope this is the start of what lies ahead for the rest of the summer.

"It's been a good start, but it's only one Test match. I'm sure England will come back bigger and stronger.

"We've got a lot of work to do to accomplish what we want to accomplish in this series."

The result means that England are behind in an Ashes series for the first time in seven years.

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Joe Fish
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Michael Clarke of Australia celebrates after reaching his century during day three of the First Ashes Test match between Australia and England at The Gabba on November 23, 2013
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