Australia’s press on Monday backed Ricky Ponting as the best man to continue leading the national team despite losing the Ashes to England.

Australia took the first day honours in the deciding Ashes Test against England but a potential danger lurks in The Oval’s wearing pitch.

Ricky Ponting has played in 135 Tests but the Australia captain insists he’s never been as excited by one as much as he has been by the Ashes finale.

Andrew Flintoff is set for one last huge effort in Test cricket but England are likely to need more than a one-man show to recapture the Ashes.

Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke said his side would do everything they could to have a player of Andrew Flintoff’s class in their side.

Australia’s Shane Watson believes taking a more relaxed approach is the secret to his success in the unaccustomed role of Ashes opener.

Marcus Trescothick could be talked out of international retirement in a bid to bolster England’s batting for the Ashes decider at the Oval next week.