Ashes 2013: Michael Clarke 'confident' of winning Ashes

Australia captain Michael Clarke says the tourists can regain the Ashes, despite their dramatic first-Test defeat by England at Trent Bridge.

Last-wicket pair Brad Haddin and James Pattinson moved Australia within sight of their fourth-innings target of 311.

But Haddin was caught behind as they lost by 14 runs.

"I am as confident as I was when we landed here," said Clarke. "With the continued support of the fans, it will go a long way to helping us."

The hosts began the five-Test series as heavy favourites, with England legend Ian Botham even predicting the Australians could suffer back-to-back Ashes series whitewashes.

England travel to Australia in October for the second five-Test series, which has been moved to avoid a clash with the 2015 World Cup being held down under.

But, in the first of their 10 encounters, Alastair Cook and his team were pushed all the way by the battling visitors in Nottingham.

Ian Bell's superb second-innings 109 put England in command, but they needed some inspired bowling from James Anderson, who finished with match figures of 10-158, to end the stubborn resistance of Haddin and Pattinson.

"The boys can hold their heads high. It was a wonderful game of cricket but credit to England, they fought well," said Clarke.

"The two best performers in the match were Ian Bell and Jimmy Anderson and England deserved the win.

"We get another crack in a few days' time [in the second test at Lord's] so we look forward to that."

England skipper Cook was widely lauded for the way he used the DRS system to challenge umpires' decisions, while Clarke was criticised for wasting a review in an attempt to dismiss Jonny Bairstow in England's second innings.

The Australia captain was then unable to challenge Stuart Broad's controversial decision not to walk as he had already used his two referrals.

"I am not happy with my use of DRS but both teams are using it and England have used it better than I have. It is consistent for both teams," he said.

Clarke also praised the contribution of 19-year-old Ashton Agar, who broke the record for the highest score by a Test number 11 and took two wickets on his debut.

"Ashton played really well and is an amazing talent," said Clarke. "He is a great kid, has a smart mind and loves the game.

"He loves being around the Australian family and you will see a lot more of him."

Match scorecard

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