Clarke's simple solution for rain.

MICHAEL CLARKE has called for increased covering at English grounds in order to avoid a repeat of the embarrassment that saw the Twenty20 series between England and Australia abandoned due to rain.

The two sides had been scheduled to play each other at Old Trafford on Sunday and Tuesday, but both games were called off due to heavy downpours.

"The weather seems to be the biggest concern here in England, whether it's a case of overs being lost or games being cancelled," he said.

"Maybe the covering system at the grounds is something that the counties can continue to look at because to me the number one priority is trying to keep the wicket dry and the second priority is the bowlers' run-ups.

"Both ends of the bowlers' run-ups the other night were just not up to scratch and that was the main reason why the umpires did not rule the ground fit.

"They were international Twenty20s and these are one-day international games so the grounds have to be fit for the players to play."

Clarke will lead Australia into the seven-match one day international (ODI) series today in the absence of regular captain Ricky Ponting, who has gone home to rest with his family, but will return for the fourth ODI.

Clarke has been touted as a possible successor, but he insists his sole focus is on the short-term goal of winning the series after the disappointment of losing the Ashes, and not on taking over Ponting's role.

"I have no doubt that Rick (Ponting) is our leader and I look forward to having him back," he said.

CAPTION(S):

Stand-in captain Michael Clarke