Australia coach Mickey Arthur says his team has the best bowling attack in the world but captain Michael Clarke knows that counts for little if you don’t put enough runs on the board.

In a BBC interview on Thursday Arthur said: “I honestly believe we can win the Ashes – we have the best all-round bowling attack in world cricket.”

Clarke was quizzed about those comments shortly afterwards during an Ashes promotional event held on a pitch floating on the Thames.

“It doesn’t matter how good your bowlers are if you don’t put enough runs on the board,” Clarke told reporters on a barge near London’s Tower Bridge.

“We know we have to play very well as a team to have success over here.”

The captain said Australia’s focus during the two practice matches before the first Test on July 10 was to “make sure we’re scoring enough runs” as well as giving the bowlers an opportunity to show their class.

“We’ve got plenty of time in regards to preparation to stay focused on what we need as a team,” Clarke said.

“We’ll be as well prepared as we can for that first Test.”

The injured batsman said the suspended David Warner was training “exceptionally hard” in an attempt to regain his spot at the top of the order.

“It’s obviously going to be tough for Dave because he’s not going to have had any game time.

“(But) he’ll be doing everything he can to put his name up there for selection for the first Test.”

There’s been a lot of talk about Clarke’s back in recent weeks but the captain didn’t appear troubled by it when he stepped onto the floating pitch.

He participated in a mini-match with Shane Watson, Chris Rogers, James Faulkner and Mitchell Starc.

Clarke had previously had a genuine training session in the nets.

“My back is feeling better at the moment,” the 32-year-old said.

“There’s still obviously a few days before that first practice game down in Taunton but if all goes to plan I’ll be playing in that game.”

Clarke said a decision on his fitness would likely be made on the morning of the Somerset match.

But he said the Australian team’s physiotherapist was “extremely positive” his back was improving daily.