England might have already won the 2015 Ashes after thrashing Australia in the fourth Test at Trentbridge, but the arch-rivals will be eager to sign off the Test series on a winning note.
England will be eager to defeat the Aussies 4-1, while the Aussies would want to finish the series with a respectable 2-3.
Hence, a keen contest is assured between the two sides during the fifth and the final Test at the Oval starting on Thursday.
Following the series loss, Michael Clarke announced his retirement and will play for the baggy green one last time in the fifth Test match before hanging his boots. Michael Clarke has been a major disappointment with the bat this season, but his overall contribution to Australian cricket cannot be forgotten.
Apart from Clarke, Chris Rogers, who has been in impeccable form during the series, will also retire at the end of the series.
Though the retirement of these two players might take centre-stage at the end of the Test match, both the players will play their best cricket to help Australia come up with a second win in the series, which has been dominated by England.
The home team might have suffered an embarrassing defeat at Lord's, but their performance overall has been top notch, as is evident from the 3-1 scoreline. Their batsmen and bowlers have come to the party brilliantly and will be aiming for a historic 4-1 finish, which is possible with the performance they have shown of late.
Australia are expected to make two changes in the team as all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is expected to play at the Oval. Pat Cummins could also get a look in during the final Test.
For England, James Anderson, who missed out the fourth Test, could make a return if fully fit.
Though there are reports of spinner Adil Rashid being given a Test debut, one doubts if the leggie will be lucky enough to get a Test cap, with England having been successful with seamers Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Steve Finn, and the Oval pitch expected to assist the pacers.
Complete Squad
England
Alastair Cook (c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, James Anderson, Adam Lyth, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood.
Australia
Chris Rogers, David Warner, Steve Smith, Michael Clarke (c), Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Peter Nevill, Peter Siddle, Fawad Ahmed.
Ashes 5th Test Schedule: England vs Australia
Date – 20 to 24 August
Time – 11am local time (3:30pm IST)
Venue - The Oval
