Australia batting coach Michael Di Venuto has backed captain Michael Clarke to rediscover his best form in the Ashes this summer.

The middle-order batsman has struggled so far in the first two Tests and has a top score of 38.

However, Di Venuto is adamant that a big score isn't far away, and claims Clarke needs some more luck.

He told reporters: "We'd like him to spend some more time in the middle obviously. He's had a couple of good starts in the Test matches, a caught and bowled to Moeen Ali up in Cardiff and a 32 not out in the second innings at Lord's - I know circumstances were we were setting up a declaration.

"He would like some more time in the middle, there's no doubt about that. He's meticulous in his preparation, he's playing well in the nets, he's preparing well, he just needs a bit of luck. I'm sure a big score is not too far away."

Clarke will lead Australia into the third Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday.