Australia captain Michael Clarke took time out of his Ashes preparations to share his expertise with children from St Edward’s Catholic Primary School in Westminster.

Clarke, who led his country to a comprehensive victory over England in the second Test at nearby Lord’s last week, provided tips and advice on the sport as well as highlighting the value of teamwork.

A group of 18 aspiring cricketers between the ages of 10 and 11 were selected to participate in the cricket clinic, which was supported by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the airline Qantas.

Clarke was also joined by the MCC’s Ernie the Ashes Urn mascot, who entertained the children.

Clarke said: “It’s always a pleasure to help children and I was really impressed with their energy and enthusiasm towards cricket.

“It’s important to take a step back from our everyday lives and help nurture others so I hope I was able to offer them some valuable advice.

“These children may be our next generation of cricketers so I’ll be keeping an eye out for them at Lord’s in the future.”

Darren Clough, the senior inclusion leader at St Edward’s, added: “It was so inspirational for our children to receive coaching from such a world-class cricketer and captain as Michael Clarke, and we are delighted that he took the time to visit us.

“The session will have undoubtedly made an impact on the children’s sense of worth and value – things that they don’t often experience – so we are very grateful to Michael, Qantas and MCC for organising this.

“Through the development of their cricket skills these children will be better equipped to overcome the barriers and challenges they face every day and into the future.

“Our ethos is that, by developing the sport of cricket in our young people, we are also investing in the development of good citizens, and this cricket clinic has definitely contributed to this.”