AUSTRALIA’S embattled cricketers will be desperately fighting for their careers on a doctored green top in the fifth Test. 

Under strict instruction from the ECB, The Oval wicket is looking as fresh and juicy as the decks that destroyed Australia’s stricken batsmen in Birmingham and Nottingham. 

On Monday, four days out from day one, officials scrambled to get the covers onto the centre wicket — not at the first sign of rain — but at the first glimpse of sunshine peeking out from behind the clouds. 

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Eyebrows were raised amongst the Australians at the ground for a behind-closed-doors training session. 

Chris Rogers says Australia has it all to play for in Michael Clarke’s last Test, primarily because several stars are fighting to secure their futures beyond the Ashes. 

“A lot of guys are playing for their spots,” said Rogers. 

“It’s going to be a changing team and people want to be part of it. 

“I don’t think there’s going to be anything less than 100 per cent given it’s Michael’s last Test and we’re going to be desperate to win.” 

media_camera David Warner prepares for the final Ashes Test at The Oval. 

But after also bombing out in the tour match in Northampton, Australia’s batsmen must find a way to tame the seaming conditions and prevent being rolled in three days for the third consecutive Test. 

In 2009, The Oval groundsmen couldn’t find a hose on a pitch prepared so dry it fell to pieces. 

But for Thursday’s Ashes finale, the hose has not only been found, but hasn’t been turned off. 

The 2013 urinating on the pitch incident from Alastair Cook’s victorious side infuriated The Oval big wigs, but who knows, this time around cricket’s oldest ground might even support a pre-match piddle just to add that little bit of extra moisture. 

Clearly they’ll just do what the ECB tells them to do. 

Australia’s batsmen’s ineptitude in English conditions is the primary reason for this Ashes disaster, and the blame rests with them and the poor decisions made by selectors. 

However, it’s as clear as ever that Australia is the only cricketing country that prepares fair wickets. 

For the first two Tests, England boss Andrew Strauss had issued a memo for more dry wickets to blunt Australia’s pace bowlers, until the coach Trevor Bayliss and captain Alastair Cook called for a change in tact midway through the series after being belted by 405 runs at Lord’s. 

There has been nothing subtle about what’s been dished up at Edgbaston, Trent Bridge and now The Oval.