The Ashes: Five things you need to know ahead of The Oval Test

As they bid to come out on top again at The Oval, we look at the talking points before the final Test:

CAPTAIN’S LOT

Michael Clarke has come in for a barrage of criticism since announcing, in defeat at Trent Bridge, that he will play his last Test at The Oval. Alastair Cook has revealed he had to be talked into staying on as captain in the Caribbean last Spring, and confirmed rumours that he was - but is no longer - giving serious consideration to calling time on his tenure at the end of this summer. It is baffling, from the outside, that Australia never appears to have taken Clarke to its heart and is generally happy now to bid a less than fond farewell to an outstanding cricketer. Cook can surely not be done yet as England captain after just three, albeit eventful and at times highly stressful, years. It will be intriguing to see how the two men react in the middle.

ALL CHANGE FOR AUSTRALIA?

The tourists have had to switch tack several times already on what has been an awkward trip from the outset, thanks to the injury-enforced retirement of Ryan Harris and then Brad Haddin’s unavailability too. They have already announced Clarke’s successor in Steve Smith, and David Warner as his deputy. Whether there are more personnel shifts - a return for Mitchell Marsh, or Pat Cummins back for only his second Test in place of Josh Hazlewood - there may be a brittle dynamic between old, outgoing Clarke and the new regime waiting to succeed him.

NIGHTMARE IN NORTHAMPTON

Well, not quite... but without a day-one washout, it could easily have been even worse for Australia than a deeply unimpressive, one-innings draw in the final tour match of their summer. In any case, it said much about the disarray into which they have fallen that - in the absence of Clarke and top-order rudder Chris Rogers, both already in London - they needed a maiden 50 in any format from tailender Cummins to salvage respectability against under-strength hosts for whom Adelaide-born all-rounder Steven Crook smashed a career-best 142 not out from just 96 balls. It is an experience which can hardly have restored much confidence as Australia seek to save face at The Oval.

SIDE ISSUE

It may be a little more than that as James Anderson tries to complete his recovery from the injury which ruled him out of the Ashes-clinching win at Trent Bridge, in time to join the lap of honour. England will be tempted, but wary too about taking any chances with their all-time leading wicket-taker. Either way, Anderson’s readiness for what could yet be the only five-day Test of the series will dictate the starting point for a team selection which may prove a little more problematic than might first appear for Cook and coach Trevor Bayliss. One pace bowler, for starters, is going to be disappointed one way or another - having played a significant part in England’s success this summer.

DON’T FORGET THE DESERT

England’s difficult winter assignments ahead may further complicate selection. The first is already pressing - they set off at the end of next month to face Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates - and the second is against the world’s best team, South Africa. To be credible there, Cook’s tourists must avoid calamity in the desert - where England lost 3-0 in their only previous attempt, three years ago. They know they will need two frontline spin options, and the still uncapped Adil Rashid heads the queue - included in every Ashes squad this year, but yet to feature. If England are tempted to take a look, out-of-form Adam Lyth could be a left-field fall guy - with Moeen Ali the possible wild-card to be shunted up from number eight to one. England could do with a settled opening partnership for their taxing 2015-16 too, though. The Oval poses plenty of questions, over and above the prospect of a first Ashes four-timer for England’s home crowd.