Australia captain Michael Clarke is certain that his side can recover from their poor start to win the Ashes this summer.

The Baggy Greens currently trail the series 2-0 heading into the third Test at Old Trafford, where a draw would ensure that England retained the Ashes this year.

"I honestly believe we can win this series," Clarke said at a press conference.

"I know there are a lot of people out there who will laugh at me saying that but I wouldn't be here today if I thought this team wasn't good enough to have success.

"The reality is our backs are against the wall but if we play our best cricket I think we will give it a real shake for the rest of the series."

Australia face England in the third Test of the Ashes at Old Trafford on Thursday.