Joining the Nine Network's Ashes cricket coverage on Friday, Mr Abbott ruminated on the responsibility of leadership when discussing the success of Australian captain Michael Clarke.

"In the end everyone who gets a big promotion has got to grow into the job," he told viewers of the Sydney Test.

"To be candid, the jury is still out on me, because we've only been there for a little over three months.

"But I'm confident that I'm as well prepared as anyone can be for this job."

Prime Minister Tony Abbott and former prime minister John Howard at the SCG for day one of the fifth Ashes test. Photo: Getty Images

During his 15-minute spell in the commentary box, the prime minister also reminisced about playing 180 games as prop for Sydney University.

He pointed out that three members of his cabinet - himself, Joe Hockey and Malcolm Turnbull - had all played front row for Sydney Uni rugby.

"There is a certain uncompromising quality about front-row forwards, and I think sometimes that's a good quality to have in public life," he said.

Mr Abbott and his government have suffered a string of poor polls since sweeping to power at the September election.

AAP