England vs Australia The Ashes 2013: Players with Something to Prove

Although the Ashes fifth Test begins on Wednesday, the series was over as soon as England claimed victory at Chester-le-Street last week.

The home side's 74-run victory put them 3-0 up and secured a crushing triumph over old rivals Australia.

Still, the Ashes is played over five Tests, not four, and so both countries will do battle once more at The Oval to decide how the scoreline will appear in the history books.

While the result of the fifth Test is inconsequential, it will give both sets of players one last chance to impress and stake their claim ahead of the winter Ashes later this year.

Here's a look at three players who have something to prove over the next five days.

Chris Tremlett, England

Chris Tremlett has been restored to the England squad as the hosts aim to complete a comprehensive 4-0 victory.

The Surrey fast-bowler looks likely to take the place of the injured Tim Bresnan and will be desperate to impress on his home ground.

The 31-year-old suffered with a serious back injury in the last year and has struggled for form since undergoing surgery for a bulging disc back in February.

With Steven Finn, Stuart Broad and James Anderson all vying for a place in England's bowling attack, Tremlett needs to put on a memorable performance at The Oval if he gets his chance.

Joe Root, England

The star of England's emphatic second Test victory, Joe Root has struggled for form since helping his country to a 347-run triumph at Old Trafford.

The youngster top-scored with 180 in Manchester and showed signs that he could go on to dominate the remainder of the series.

But the Yorkshire prodigy has failed to hit the same heights, managing to add just 18 runs during the fourth Test in Durham.

The 22-year-old should be aiming for at least a half-century to prove his game has the consistency required for the winter Ashes.

James Faulkner, Australia

Wednesday's fifth Test will provide a Test debut for all-rounder James Faulkner, who comes in to replace batsman Usman Khawaja.

The 23-year-old was a key member of Tasmania's Sheffield Shield-winning side last season and has played in all four of Australia's tour matches.

Although he has failed to score a century in senior cricket, Faulkner has received the public backing of captain Michael Clarke.

With 127 first-class wickets to his name already, the youngster will hope to impress among a squad which has failed to do so since the start of the Ashes.