Michael Clarke has made just 55 runs at an average of 18.33 in the series so far. Photo / Getty Images
Stand-in captain Michael Clarke says a change in his batting spot won't end his run drought as Australia seek a one-day series win against England on Wednesday.
Clarke's charges will take an unbeatable 4-0 lead in the seven match series with victory on Australia Day at Adelaide Oval.
"We are
gaining confidence and gaining momentum, no doubt about that," Clarke said.
"I still think we are short of where we can be.
"Hopefully we will get there before the start of the World Cup (next month) but the most pleasing thing is that we are still getting the victories, still getting over the line, so that is a very good sign of a good team."
Clarke has made just 55 runs at an average of 18.33 in the series so far, but rejected suggestions for him to change spots in the batting order.
The stand-in skipper for the injured Ricky Ponting batted at number three for the initial two games of the series before reverting to his favoured number four spot in Sydney on Sunday.
"I have batted number four now in one-day cricket for a long time, that is probably where I have played my best one-day cricket," Clarke said.
"That is where Ricky wants me to bat in the World Cup.
"So I think it's important that a lot of us are playing in our set positions leading up to the World Cup.
"... Obviously we want to win every game we play but to keep in mind what we have with the World Cup.
"And that is why I think myself batting four, Cameron White five, David Hussey six, even Steve Smith at seven, I think that part of the order is probably going to play a big part in the World Cup, facing a lot of spin bowling on pretty slow wickets.
"So I think it's important that we do play together now and spend as much time as possible together."
- AAP
