Three years after the Mowbray batsman called time on his record-breaking international career, he said he could see many similar issues frustrating Clarke.

But Ponting believes the Test captain’s problems can be tackled with simple adjustments to his technique.

A day before Clarke led the tourists into the Third Test at Edbaston, Ponting said it was clear that he was desperate for rhythm, time in the middle and a defence against the bowling of Stuart Broad.

‘‘I spoke to Michael at Lord’s about how when something means as much to you as an Ashes series does, sometimes you want it a bit too much and try too hard,’’ Ponting told Cricinfo.

‘‘This stops you from allowing your own free and natural style to come out. I know in the last couple of years of my career I wanted it too much, tried too hard, tried to do everything perfectly rather than just going out and batting.

‘‘Something Michael is clearly doing at the moment is using a pre-delivery foot movement against Broad that is different to how he is handling the other England bowlers. As Broad has troubled him with short balls in the past, Michael has been moving back to try to cover for that angle of attack, but he is also trying to get forward against the others.

‘‘Michael has always looked his best when getting on to the front foot, because it gives the bowlers so much less room for error. But because his weight is going backwards in anticipation of short stuff, he is in a vulnerable position to play the full ball.’’