New Delhi:
England's long international summer is finally coming to an end when the fifth and final Ashes Test begins at The Oval against Australia. The Ashes has been retained by Australia after their win at Old Trafford which helped them take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series. With the Ashes lost, there is still plenty at stake for Joe Root's side. England will be determined to avoid a defeat at home to Australia for the first time in 18 years while Australia will be determined to match Steve Waugh's achievement and win a series in England for the first time since 2001. A win for England will result in the first drawn Ashes series in 47 years, with the 1972 series also ending 2-2.
Heading into the final match, there are changes made on both sides. England have made two major changes with Jason Roy and Craig Overton getting the axe after a poor series. Roy, who was England's mainstay in their World Cup triumph, has endured a miserable time in the Ashes with just 110 runs in eight innings with a high score of 31. Craig Overton, who managed just two wickets in the previous Test, has also been dropped.
In their place, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes have been included in the team. Curran, who played a starring role in England's triumph against India and Sri Lanka, will make his Ashes debut at The Oval. Curran's inclusion will also boost the bowling. Curran will cushion the absence of Ben Stokes, who will be unable to bowl due to a shoulder injury. Chris Woakes could further boost the bowling and batting in addition to the likes of Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer.
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For Australia, there has been one major change with Mitchell Marsh getting a look-in in place of Travis Head. The Australian left-arm all-rounder has endured a tough time in the Ashes and Marsh is being looked up as someone who can contribute with both bat and ball. Marsh had a good 2017/18 Ashes, smashing two centuries in Perth and Sydney but not contributing much with the ball.
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The rest of the squad remains the same with James Pattinson and Michael Neser missing out. The call to rest either Pat Cummins or Josh Hazlewood, Australia's two leading wicket-takers in the series will be taken on the match day. In their place, Peter Siddle could make a comeback.
Squads for the final Ashes Test
England (Playing XI):Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes
Australia (12-man squad):David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Mitch Marsh, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine (c, wk), Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
