The series is level at 1-1 and Andrew Flintoff is set to play his final Test - will England skipper Andrew Strauss be lifting the Ashes urn after the final match against Australia?
A potentially pivotal moment as the coin goes up and Australia captain Ricky Ponting calls incorrectly. England skipper Andrew Strauss has no hesitation in choosing to bat first at The Oval
Whether genuine or not it is all smiles at the unveiling of the teams, England bringing in Jonathan Trott and Andrew Flintoff for Ravi Bopara and Graham Onions, Australia unchanged from their win at Headingley
Warwickshire batsman Trott, likened to actor Vince Vaughn by legendary sledger Shane Warne, becomes the 645th player to represent England in Test cricket
Fiery paceman Peter Siddle makes the breakthrough for Australia in the sixth over when Alastair Cook edges tamely to slip for just 10
Skipper Andrew Strauss steadies the ship for England with a composed half century and is unbeaten on 50 at the lunch interval, with his team on 108-1
But in the third over after lunch, Strauss edges Ben Hilfenhaus low to the keeper, although replays suggest the bowler had over-stepped the crease
Cricket follower, tabloid favourite, twitterer and singer Lily Allen looks on, complete with patriotic St George's flag adornment
There are no gremlins in the wicket on the first day, only outside the ground, but the thin blue line appears to be in control of the situation
Ian Bell overcomes a torrid start to compile a determined 21st Test fifty, although the England innings remains on a knife-edge
Paul Collingwood plays patiently for 24 but then flashes at a wide delivery from Siddle and is caught in the gully by Michael Hussey and England are 176-3 with tea 20 minutes away
Tickets are at a premium but some fans are lucky enough to be able to take in the action from a balcony of a flat outside the famous ground - wonder how much a seat costs there?
Bell's innings comes to an end when Siddle bowls him off an inside edge for 72 and now Australia are well and truly on top after a determined effort in the field after losing the toss
Matt Prior seeks to regain the initiative for the hosts but Mitchell Johnson's extra pace proves too hot to handle and he is out for 18 after lobbing a loose drive to Shane Watson in the gulley
Trott faces a tough situation on his debut as Australia increase the pressure on England's batsmen but he plays sensibly and looks in good form
England fans give Andrew Flintoff a great reception when he comes out to bat and the all-rounder receives another one when he blocks his first ball with a solid defensive stroke
But the big man is unable to produce the innings his fans wanted and is out for just seven after edging Johnson to Brad Haddin - another bad shot from an England batsman
England's day gets worse, while Australia's gets better and better as Trott is brilliantly run out by Simon Katich at short leg off the bowling of spinner Marcus North
Stuart Broad (pictured) and Graeme Swann play some accomplished strokes and look secure as they put on an unbeaten 39 - and seem set to see England through to the close of play
But it is Australia's day and in the final over Swann nicks a cracking delivery from the impressive Siddle to close on a broadly disappointing 307-8
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