Clarke's batting average slipped below 50 for the first time since 2012, after a combined score of 13 in both of his innings in the Edgbaston test.

The Australia captain was disparaging about his own performance, saying the side was effectively playing with 10 men.

Hopes backed Clarke, who has struggled with a debilitating back injury through his career, to get himself out of the rut.

"He averages 50 in Test cricket for a reason," he said.

"He's got to work his way out of it."

"I think that's a bit of a captain putting criticism on himself and just deflecting from the team," he said

"I've never seen a series like this."

In a yo-yoing series, the English have been criticised for producing flat wickets to try and nullify the pace of Mitchell Starc and Johnson, a tactic at which Hopes was surprised given the danger of English strike weapon James Anderson.

"I'm surprised the Poms didn't produce pitches with a bit more in the first two (Tests) considering one of their opening bowlers, in particular, is the best exponent (of that) in the world and our guys are really good flat wicket bowlers," he said.

"You take the Australians out of it by... telling them they've got to pitch the ball up, telling them they've got to swing it around and do it consistently and they've (England) got Jimmy Anderson, one of the best in the world at that.

Anderson's side injury in the Third Test opens up Australia's chances for next week's Trent Bridge Test, is a stroke fortune for the visitors.

Hopes has shelved thoughts of retirement for one more season, through relinquished the state captaincy ahead of the season,something he says has been freeing.

"I wanted to do the playing side, it was just whether I wanted to do the pre-season but I've loved the last 6-7 weeks," he said.

"Not being captain's been a lot of fun - you just come, train, hang out with the lads and go home.

"It just gives me more time at home with two little kids and it's enabled me to be a bit more focused here."

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