England's Ashes-winning team will pick itself - injuries permitting - for next week's valedictory Test at The Oval.

But the selectors must soon start to fine-tune their options for the return series Down Under.

Here, the Daily Echo identifies those whose positions which may come under discussion.

JOE ROOT - If Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin had not simply stared at one another when Root edged the ball between them in the first innings at Lord's, the young Yorkshireman would have a series aggregate of 88 runs from eight innings so far at the top of the order. But he made the most of his fortune, displaying the skill and determination England believe will make him a successful long-term Test opener. It is hard to see them going back to the unfortunate Nick Compton, and other contenders are mostly untried. But Root could do with another score at The Oval, to calm any winter nerves.

JONNY BAIRSTOW - His runs just about stack up at number six this summer, putting him fourth in England's Ashes averages but with only 29 per innings in a line-up bailed out by Ian Bell's prolific form. Bairstow only reached just under par, statistically, in the second innings at Chester-le-Street - but there was something in that performance which was a little more convincing than what has gone before. He has earned himself a bit more time - although, as the old-timers say in Yorkshire, 'nobbutjust'.

THE SECOND SPINNER - Monty Panesar got the supersub gig when Graeme Swann was injured in New Zealand last winter, but will surely be persona non grata after his disorderly behaviour in a Brighton nightclub last week. James Tredwell could come into the reckoning if Australia persist with their plethora of left-handers. The more likely route, however, is variety and youth in the shape of Lancashire left-arm orthodox Simon Kerrigan - who has 50 first-class wickets already this year.

EXTRA SEAMERS - Andy Flower is constantly aware of the onus placed on his frontline seamers, and the need for rest when possible.

There will be none surely at The Oval for Stuart Broad or James Anderson - because they will not stand for it.

It would be harsh on Tim Bresnan to make way too, especially after his vital runs in the second innings at Chester-le-Street.

Ex-Hampshire star Chris Tremlett is being primed for action at some point, however - and if it does not come on his home patch next week, it will in the winter as long as he stays in good health.

England's other challenge is to help Steven Finn rediscover his form in time to stay ahead of Graham Onions in the pecking order for a second Ashes tour.