Countdown to the final Test

Ignorance has proved bliss for Marcus Trescothick in breaking Australia's dominance over him in Test cricket. Shane Warne questioned the left-hander's worth before the series while the coach, John Buchanan, has continually claimed England's openers have flaws. But the opener said: "If you don't listen, it doesn't have any effect. It can't get to you." Trescothick averages 85.85 in five Test appearances at The Oval.

Jerusalem rules OK?

The England captain, Michael Vaughan, is backing a campaign to get the country singing "Jerusalem" just before the final Test starts on Thursday. Vaughan said: "The backing of the country is like having a 12th player on the field and the thought of having the whole country singing a hymn as emotive as 'Jerusalem' is something that will get the boys stirred up just as we come on to the field."

Tribute from Owen

England football striker Michael Owen has offered encouragement for England's cricketers at the Oval this week. "Cricket has grown in popularity this summer," Newcastle's new signing said. "I've watched as much as I can and it's given everyone in Britain a big lift. There's not many things that can lift the nation like sport."