Australian captain Michael Clarke has revealed that his team's senior players had prevented their recent Ashes tour to England from derailing completely following the shock sacking of coach Mickey Arthur and suspension of David Warner.
Clarke was speaking at the launch of his new book 'The Ashes Diary', which is a detailed account of the series.
According to Telegraph.com.au, Clarke candidly admitted he feared that Australia might have lost every Test in the summer series, saying that there were a number of incidents on and off the field where the team could have fallen apart and broken down as they were still suffering from the shock sacking of Arthur.
However, Clarke credited the senior players like vice-captain Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson and Ryan Harris for preventing the tour from completely unraveling, saying that they had played a huge part in getting the team to where they are today, bringing them close together and all heading in the one direction.
Clarke further said he believes that Watson, despite his recent injury concern, and returning veteran Mitchell Johnson are in the form and frame of mind to be player of the series as their strength and their character shone through in England.