Hungry Clarke doesn't want ODI rest Cricket Sport World Breaking News Sport September 5, 2013 - 9:57PM Australian captain Michael Clarke says he never considered resting from the one-day series against England in a bid to manage his chronic back problem. Clarke missed Australia's entire Champions Trophy campaign in June due to a flare-up of the injury, and felt some discomfort early in the failed Ashes campaign. England have rested a host of their top players for the five-game series, starting in Leeds on Friday, but Clarke said he never considered going down the same path. The 32-year-old is desperate for success and says he views the series as just as important as any other, including the Ashes. "It was a no-brainer for me if I wanted to stay here and play the one-dayers," Clarke told reporters at Headingley on Thursday. I want to play every game I can for Australia. I'll prepare today, as I have done over the past few days, like I would if it was the first Test of the Ashes. It's just as important to me. I think it's important I'm here with the team and performing and leading from the front. I want to see this one-day team back to where it belongs - at the top of the three. Clarke said he had no issues with his back heading into the series. And he dismissed suggestions he could consider giving up the 50-over format in the near future to preserve his Test career. Clarke has already dropped international Twenty20 in a bid to lighten his load but he is focused on leading Australia to the 2015 one-day World Cup. "I think it's obviously manageable," he said of his injury. I feel as fit and strong as I have throughout my career. I can't see any reason why I can't continue to manage it and play for a lot longer in both forms of the game.