Waugh tips Australia to retain Ashes with 'convincing' Oval win

"Despite being 2-1 down, the Australians may well be more relaxed coming into the final Test because they only have one option and that is to win," Waugh said.

"I'm backing a convincing Australian victory. The Aussies rediscovered what has made them a great side on the last day of the Trent Bridge Test. The fire within was burning and the stomach for a battle to the death was back."

However, Waugh urged selectors to make one change for The Oval showdown and choose the leg-spinner Stuart MacGill for the decider. "Australia have to take 20 wickets next week and for that simple reason they need MacGill," he said.

Meanwhile, the paceman Simon Jones has reacted to Australian complaints that England had been overusing substitutes. Jones, whose ankle injury allowed Gary Pratt on to the field for a prolonged period during which he ran out Ponting, said: "I proved I had an injury but for them to accuse any of us of resting up is rubbish. Usually people just go to the loo and, with the rules as they are, you have only got two overs, which is not exactly much time to rest."