Justin Langer believes the England selectors have made the right decision by not making wholesale changes for the final Ashes Test at The Oval.
Justin Langer believes the England selectors have made the right decision by not making wholesale changes for the final Ashes Test at The Oval.
But the former Australia opener insists the momentum is now with Ricky Ponting's side after their one-sided win in the fourth Test at Headingley levelled the series at 1-1.
England have axed number three batsman Ravi Bopara after he managed only 105 runs in seven innings during the current series.
But the only change is likely to be Warwickshire's uncapped batsman Jonathan Trott who was called into the squad at Leeds.
Langer said: "Andrew Strauss has been outstanding as England captain. His batting record since he took over as captain has been brilliant. He is a really solid guy, an excellent bloke and very good captain.
"I think the main thing he said after the Headingley defeat is that you can't panic and the shrewdest selectors in my view know when not to change the team.
"England by the sound of it haven't panicked too much and kept it pretty stable so it's all set for a great Test."
Somerset skipper Langer, who compiled a dossier on the strengths and weaknesses of the England players, said: "I played against Trott at Edgbaston a week or so ago. I'll keep my thoughts about the England players to myself!"
But in terms of Australia's chances of winning the Ashes, he said: "I fancy them to do that. I've learnt over the last few weeks that I've got to be very careful what I say or do but it is set up for a brilliant finale. "From an England point of view it could be better, if they were still one-nil up and not having to win the last Test.
"From Australia's point of view, it is set up nicely but it is great to go to the last Test of a five Test series with so much riding on it."
