Faulkner Sets to Debut in Final Test

London: Michael Clarke said the tourists would give a Test debut to fast-bowling all-rounder James Faulkner and recall Mitchell Starc for the Ashes finale against England at The Oval.

The 23-year-old Faulkner replaces out-of-form batsman Usman Khawaja, who averaged just 19 in three successive Tests, after Australia coach Darren Lehmann warned his failing top-order their places were in danger following the team's latest collapse, which helped England to a 74-run win in the fourth Test at Durham and an unbeatable 3-0 series lead.

Tasmania's Faulkner, a left-arm fast-medium bowler and right-hand batsman, has played eight one-day internationals and three Twenty20s.

All-rounder Shane Watson, who started the series as an opener before moving to number six, is now set to bat in the number three position previously occupied by Khawaja.

Meanwhile left-arm quick Starc's curious tour of alternate Tests continued with this latest recall.

Starc played in Australia's 14-run first Test defeat at Trent Bridge, was dropped for the 347-run second Test loss at Lord's only to be recalled again for the drawn third Test at Old Trafford and left out again at Durham.

But he has now got his chance again after paceman Jackson Bird failed to impress in the fourth Test.

Monday saw Starc criticise his in-out treatment by the selectors, with the bowler telling Australia's Fairfax Media: "I guess it would be nice to get a few games back to back and get that rhythm.

On otherhand, England have not had a century from their No. 6 batsman since Eoin Morgan in 2010 but it feels like Bairstow needs a three-figure score to be sure of his place this winter.

Alastair Cook said that Chris Tremlett has a "good chance" of coming back into the side for a first Test appearance since January 2012. Giving Simon Kerrigan a debut alongside Graeme Swann remains an outside possibility, though England have not played two spinners at home since Cardiff 2009.

Teams from

England: Alastair Cook (Capt.), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Steveb Finn, Simon Kerrigan, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior (wk), Joe Root, Graeme Swann, Chris Tremlett, Jonathan Trott, Chris Woakes

Australia: Miachel Clarke (Capt.), Brad Haddin (wk), Jackson Bird, Ed Cowan, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade (wk), David Warner, Shane Watson

Pitch and conditions
The Oval has been on the slow side and more liable to turn in recent years but, although the pitch for the fifth Test is dry, there is an expectation that it will be quicker and bouncier than usual. The weather is forecast to be warm, although there is the possibility of showers interrupting a couple of day's play.

Stats and trivia

• England have only lost six times to Australia at The Oval, against 16 wins, making it their most successful home ground.
• The last time Australia went two consecutive series without winning a Test was in 1986.

Match facts
August 21-25, 2013
Start time 1100 local (1000 GMT)