Stop fighting, support Michael Clarke and prepare to do battle for the Ashes, says Jason Gillespie Former Test bowler Jason Gillespie is calling on teammates and former players to support captain Michael Clarke as he prepares for the Ashes. FORMER Test speedster Jason Gillespie has feels compelled to call for a ceasefire in the civil war he fears will tear Australia apart this summer. England haven't won four successive Ashes series since 1890 but will have a real chance unless Australia's players - past and present - put aside simmering differences. Gillespie says Test skipper Michael Clarke mightn't be everyone's cup of tea but is a tactically astute captain who is working on his off-field game with national coach Darren Lehmann. He is a bit of a Julio Iglesias, likes to dress well, has as few tough stickers on the body but that his prerogative. He is his own man. As long as that doesn't affect the team dynamic that is absolutely fine," said 71-Test paceman Gillespie of Clarke. "Dizzy" has been surprised by the fallout of books released by Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and now Clarke himself. Gillespie believes parts of Ponting's book criticising Clarke's leadership have been overblown. However, cricket statesman and former Test captain Mark Taylor has even been drawn into the controversy surrounding Ponting's autobiography. At the close of play which criticised Cricket Australia and questioned Clarke's role as his deputy. Legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne also defended Clarke, labelling Ponting "jealous" of his successor. But former Test tearaway Jeff Thomson has placed Clarke at ground zero in Australia's Test decline which was the last straw for Gillespie. Clarke needs support rather than hammering a week out from the Ashes opener - Gillespie is calling for a halt to sniping on all sides. "To blame one person for everything going on with the Test team is pretty harsh," Gillespie told News Corp. Shane Warne came out and had a crack at Alastair Cook's captaincy and all the England players were soon out and backing their captain. Pup probably isn't getting the same support. If Thommo does have a problem with Clarkey then give him a call. Gillespie said Clarke must be given space to address talk of division with former deputy Shane Watson and appeared to be making progress. Australia's premier duo must be on the same page to have any hope of reclaiming the little urn insists Gillespie. They are working on it. Not everyone will be best mates," said Gillespie, who fondly recalls his time in Australia's golden Test era from 1996-2006. It is important that key members of the side are communicating well.