Aussies call for changes ahead of final test

Former Australian test players have joined the national media in calling for changes to Ricky Ponting's team for the fifth and final Ashes test against England at the Oval next week.

With Australia needing to win the final match to retain the Ashes after falling 2-1 behind following their three-wicket loss at Trent Bridge, most now believe the time has come to make changes.

Former test batsman Michael Slater has called for the axing of his old opening partner Matthew Hayden. Hayden has scored just 180 runs in the series.

"The time has come for Australia to drop Hayden," Slater said.

"He's struggled to make runs all series... in truth he has been out of form now for 12 months."

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh said Ponting's team only had themselves to blame after boasting they would thrash the English 5-0.

"They don't seem to have the hunger normally associated with Australian cricket sides," Waugh said.

"From Australia's point of view, there have been a few injuries and too many statements in the papers leading up to the series.

"Actions speak louder than words and they need to perform on the pitch."