Michael Clarke: ODIs good test of improvement

Australia captain Michael Clarke believes that the one-day international series will be a good test of his side's improvement since the 3-1 Ashes humiliation in 2010-11.

Clarke feels that Australia have made good progress in the 18 months since and says that the team are stronger in many areas.

"I think our work ethic has been the standout [area of improvement] for me, the way the boys are training," Clarke said.

"With hard work and a lot of training you hope your skills improve. I guess we'll see, over the next couple of weeks, how we go when we're under pressure against a very good and confident one-day team."

The five-match ODI series starts today at Lord's.