England eye consolation win

England will be hoping that they can claim a moral boosting consolation win when they face Australia in the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval in London, starting today.

Still feeling short-changed by the washed-out drawn fourth Test in Old Trafford, Manchester, England have arrived in London desperate to level the series at 2-2 and deny Australia a series victory. Beaten by narrow margins at Edgbaston and Lord’s before a tight win in Leeds, England believe they should be level in the series after being in control of the game at Old Trafford.

England are holding hope that bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes will overcome a quad muscle issue after a light run at The Oval yesterday.

Questions also linger over whether Stuart Broad will back up, with the veteran having played four Tests already this summer. Regardless of the result, England players have been told by Captain Ben Stokes that their team will be remembered for the attacking way they have played in this series. (C.D)