Former England cricketer Bob Willis believes that Australia should place Michael Clarke at number three in their batting order if they are to have a chance of turning their fortunes around against England in the Ashes.

The Aussies currently trail the series 2-0 and were hammered during a 347-run loss, as they were bowled out for 235 in their second innings on day four of the second match on Sunday.

"I think they can make a few changes that would make them a stronger side and, first and foremost, they need their best player, Michael Clarke, to bat at number three," Willis told Sky Sports News.

"It's a perfect position for Clarke; if he is in for the second delivery of the match, he has the technique to fend off the new ball, while if he comes in at 150-1, he has the ability to dominate proceedings and put the opposition out of the game. There is no point in him entering the fray at 30-3 every time as the damage has already been done.

"Clarke is having a testing time in the field at the moment with a fairly inexperienced bowling attack - Peter Siddle apart - and probably needs time to get in the zone to bat. But if Alastair Cook can do it and open the innings, I don't see why the Australia captain can't come in at number three."

Australia face England in the third Test of the Ashes at Old Trafford on August 1.