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Ashes series goes to the wire

Author: John Harris
Date: 20/08/2009
Cricket betting

The biggest five-day match in years is imminent as England and Australia are set to battle it out for the smallest, yet most coveted, prize in Test cricket.

Following four Tests that have swung back and forth, England are tied with Australia at one win apiece, making the fifth and final Test a must-win match for Andrew Strauss' troops.

The Ashes summer has come and gone in a flash, so expect five enthralling days of action at The Oval from Thursday to Monday.

Will England reclaim the Ashes urn? - Latest Cricket Betting

The England selectors have drafted Jonathan Trott in to replace Ravi Bopara, who has suffered from a tragic loss in form.

South African-born Trott will be hoping to become as much of a hero to England fans as Kevin Pietersen, a feat which could be achieved in just five days.

Trott is uncapped at Test level and his international credentials are set to be handed the ultimate assessment in his very first appearance, as the Oval match will be bigger to English cricket than any other in recent history.

An even bigger talking point ahead of the showdown is the fitness of England's talismanic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

The Lancastrian is desperate to prove his health in time for Thursday in what will be his last appearance in an England shirt at Test level.

And England captain Strauss will be just as desperate for 'Freddie' to return after his absence in the fourth Test at Headingley was only too apparent.

The crash-bang bowling and aggressive batting of Flintoff would be invaluable at the Oval and there would be no more fitting send off for the most loved name in domestic cricket than to see him inspire England to regaining the Ashes.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting could hand a recall to 90mph bowler Brett Lee.

The experienced paceman has missed all four Tests through injury but proved his fitness in a tour match at the weekend.

With a relatively inexperienced bowling attack, Ponting will be desperate to call upon one of his established strike bowlers. Stuart Clark is the favourite to make way for fit-again Lee.

The only other injury concern for Ponting is vice-captain Michael Clarke, who has a stomach strain.

Australia remain sportsbook favourites to retain the Ashes, as every first-class match at the Oval this season has ended in a draw.

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