Ricky Ponting targets Jonathan Trott as Australia step up mind games

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While all the focus in the build-up to this game - which England must win to regain the urn - has been on Andrew Flintoff's final Test match, how Trott handles the next five days could go a long way to deciding the outcome of this closely-fought series, which stands at 1-1 after four Tests.

The South African-born Trott averages 92 in first class cricket this season and will bat at No5 but Australia captain Ponting has wasted no time in letting Trott know just how hard he will have fight for every run.

"It's always hard making your debut in a Test match against an Australian team, let alone in such a big game," said Ponting. "We've had a good chance to have a look at films of the way he plays and we've spoken to a few of the Australian guys around the county circuit about him as well.

"There'll be great pressure on him and it's up to us keep him under pressure right from the start and stop him getting any cheap early runs. With Ian Bell moving up the order to No3, the opportunities are still there for us if we can knock the openers over nice and early. Their middle order of Bell, Paul Collingwood and Trott will be under pressure."

Ponting is also hopeful that the emotion of Flintoff's final Test may diminish the all-rounder, as he aims to sign off from the five-day game by delivering the Ashes.

He added: "Flintoff has been a terrific player for England for a long time and he does add a bit to the England team. But there will be extra pressure on him as well, playing his last game in such a big and important one for the England team."

England captain Andrew Strauss - who made 112 and 83 in his first Test appearance in May 2004, said he planned to speak to Trott about how to make the most of his debut.

Like the injured Kevin Pietersen, Trott is a brash, self-confident character and Strauss said: "When I made my debut I felt in the best form of my life and that carried me a huge distance into the Test match. It is a step into the unknown but when you're in great nick you back your game plan against anyone and I think that's where Trott is at the moment."