Andrew Flintoff fired up to blow Australia away, says Andrew Strauss

Even though he did not bowl during this morning's net session, Flintoff looks odds-on to return to the England team at The Brit Oval tomorrow after Strauss said his star man's chances of playing were "very promising".

Flintoff's troublesome right knee kept him out of the Fourth Test defeat and although he has not had as much of an impact on this series as he did in 2005, Strauss is confident the Lancastrian can recapture that form as he prepares to leave the Test arena.

"It's the perfect storm with Fred, and it's a massive plus to have him in the side," said Strauss. "It's his last game, so he will be completely motivated to go out on a high.

"It's a must-win Ashes Test, at home, in front of a full house. The script is written perfectly, and that is really encouraging. He can lift the others with his performances, although all the other 10 players need to stand up and be counted.

"It is all about controlled aggression, which Andrew Flintoff has been good at displaying throughout his career. The thought of him coming charging in and knocking over some Australians is very exciting."

Strauss revealed that debutant Jonathan Trott — who replaces the axed Ravi Bopara in the batting order —would bat at No5, with Paul Collingwood
moving up one place to No4 and Ian Bell coming in at No3. Unlike in 2005, when they needed only a draw at The Oval to regain the urn, England must beat Australia over the next five days to wrest it back.

Their dire performance at Headingley — where England were beaten by an innings inside three days — gave little cause for optimism, but Strauss is convinced it will be a different England team over the next five days.

"I'm absolutely certain we will come out and play well this week," said the captain, who is the only England player to make a century in the series.

"There will be fantastic support, and the guys will go out there in the right frame of mind to enjoy their cricket. We are definitely confident we can win the game.

"The Oval is a great wicket — it rewards positive batting and bowling, and brings in spinners as the match goes on.

"We are very happy with the balance of the squad, and we think our bowlers can cause some real trouble on this wicket.

"We have to guard against the emotion taking over, not just for Fred, but for all of us. In such an exciting situation, it is important for everyone to play the game without emotion."

Flintoff's absence at Headingley, where the all-rounder was prepared to play but was deemed not to be fit by Strauss and coach Andy Flower, certainly appeared to have an adverse effect on the team.

The 31-year-old was disappointed at having to miss out when he felt ready to take part, but Strauss insisted his relationship with Flintoff remained good, despite his decision before the Leeds Test.

"I am excited to have him back, he is determined to do well, and I know he is as motivated as anyone," said Strauss. "We have always got on well."

With Kevin Pietersen absent due to his Achilles tendon problem, Flintoff is the one player Australia genuinely fear — especially after his exploits with bat and ball in 2005.

Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting knows his team will have to withstand the Freddie effect' if they want to retain the Ashes.

Ponting said: "We know whenever he plays for England the crowd gets a lot more involved in the game. Whenever he is bowling in this series, the whole ground just lifts a little bit.

"The difference between the first three Tests and Headingley was that they just didn't have him to turn to and the crowd didn't get involved in the game.

"We dominated from the start at Headingley but it was a totally different feeling, so we know what to expect this week.

"We've experienced it before over here and full credit to our guys — with the exception of one spell at Lord's, I think we have combated what he's done in the series particularly well."