England v Australia, Fifth Test, 8-12 September 2005 The Oval Cricket Ground, Kennington, London

Around the ground in pictures

The Oval was England's number one Test venue in the latter part of the 19th century and has been the scene of some remarkable cricketing achievements.

Now in the 21st century the ground has undergone a facelift which has been finished in time for the arrival of the Australians.

The redevelopment, costing �25m, has seen a new futuristic stand built at the Vauxhall End that will result in the capacity increasing to 23,000.

The ground also houses an extensive collection of famous paintings in its pavilion and library and possesses the world-renowned Hobbs Gates at the main entrance - named after John Berry Hobbs, the Surrey and England player who was the first professional cricketer to be knighted.

It was once a simple 10-acre market garden with its name deriving from the surrounding streets, rather than the shape of the playing area.

The first-ever Test in England was played at The Oval in 1880 when England overcame the Australians by five wickets.

And two years after that inaugural Test, The Oval witnessed the creation of the Ashes following Australia's first Test victory in England.

The Australians had to wait 48 years for a second win when they sealed the Ashes with victory in 1930, a feat they repeated four years later when they notched a record 701 with Bill Ponsford and Don Bradman scoring 266 and 244 respectively.

The pair put up 451 for the second wicket - a record partnership for Australia in all Test cricket.

Four years later Len Hutton struck 364 runs as England amassed 903-7 - a record total score for any Test side playing in England.

The ground was also witness to the remarkable occasion of Bradman's last appearance in Test cricket in 1948 - when he was bowled for a duck needing just four runs to claim an average of exactly 100.

England boast their most successful home record against Australia at The Oval, and the success is not based on historical dominance.

Since Bradman bowed out with a win Australia have run out winners just twice, in 1972 and 2001.

In that time England have racked up five wins, including a Graham Gooch-David Gower inspired victory in 1985 that secured the Ashes, the last time they won the famous urn at home.

2001 flashback: Australia triumph in final Test

Following dead rubber defeats after their hosts had already surrendered the Ashes in 1993 and 1997, Australia made no mistake four years ago with a comprehensive victory.

Tickets

The first four days are sold out and tickets for the fifth are going fast at �10.50 a pop.

To get in on the action on what could be the last day of the Ashes series call 020 7582 7764 or go to

Stat pack

87 Tests
England: 35 wins; 18 defeats; 34 draws

Highest individual score: 364
Len Hutton; England v Australia 1938
Best bowling (innings): 9-57
Devon Malcolm; England v South Africa 1994
Best bowling (match): 16-220
Muttiah Muralitharan; Sri Lanka v England 1998
Record partnership: 451
Bill Ponsford & Don Bradman (2nd wkt);
Australia v England 1934