Michael Clarke targets Champions Trophy to lever Australia into Ashes

Sydney:  Skipper Michael Clarke said on Sunday he is looking for success in next month's Champions Trophy to gain Ashes series momentum for his side against England.

Clarke and several players left on Sunday for England to prepare for the June 6-23 Champions Trophy in England and Wales as a prelude to the five-Test Ashes series in July-August.

While interest has centred on the Ashes starting at Nottingham's Trent Bridge ground on July 10, Clarke said is prioritising what is immediately ahead of his team in the Champions Trophy.

"Obviously the build-up and the talk is going to be about the Ashes, but for us as a team we're very focused on the Champions Trophy," Clarke told reporters at Sydney Airport.

"We know already that if you are not 100 percent focused, you've got no chance.

"I think you'll see a really focused one-day outfit in this Champions Trophy tournament.

"I think the extra motivation if we can have success in this one-day tournament, and drag that confidence and momentum into the first Test, I think that will be very handy.

"We've got a really good squad and some good options to win the Champions Trophy and I'm confident if we can play our best we can have some success in this tournament."

Clarke nominated England, South Africa, West Indies and Pakistan as Australia's major rivals for the Champions Trophy.

Australia are chasing their third straight Champions Trophy after winning in India (2006) and South Africa (2009).