Michael Vaughan has urged his England team to stay true to the methods which have put them in touching distance of an historic Ashes victory and block out talk of what might follow.
While England seek the win or draw in today's fifth and final npower Test match which would seal a first Ashes series victory since 1986-87, the players have sought to distance themselves from premature victory talk. England lead 2-1 going into the final Test, a situation they have not experienced since Australia claimed possession of the Ashes in 1989.
Open- top bus rides through Trafalgar Square have been discussed while it has also been suggested that coach Duncan Fletcher might receive a knighthood if England regain the famous urn at The Oval.
But such speculation will not deflect the England players from their familiar routine. They have prepared in the manner they have for every other match in this thrilling series.
Vaughan said: "We're just going to treat this as we have done in the last few games. We've been outstanding since Lord's and the hard work and commitment the players have put in has been no different, and I don't see any reason why we should change our way of thinking and our approach to the game.
"We enjoy playing and I don't see any reason why we shouldn't go out and enjoy this week as well. We've entertained a lot of people and gone out and enjoyed our cricket and we'll go out to try to do exactly the same next week."
That will involve England reminding themselves of the same tactics and game plans they have prepared for Australia's line-up throughout the series.
England must overcome a team strengthened by the return of Glenn McGrath while the loss of Simon Jones with a right ankle problem weakens the home side.
Vaughan said: "Being 2-1 up is a great position to be in but there's also a lot of hard work to go between now and Monday to decide whether we get hold of the Ashes."The team realise that and we also know there's a lot being said and talked about which we can't control.
"We're just trying to focus our minds on our performance, which we've done for the last three Test matches and performed to a very high standard. That is exactly the kind of performance we will need again this week.
"The way both teams play the game, unless you're going to get weather interruptions, there will be a result so our mindset is to go out there and play and try and beat Australia this week.
"Simon's a big loss because he's been bowling really well. The position we're in is that it's very hard to find a likefor-like replacement for Simon - the way he's bowling, he's probably up there with the best in the world. He'll be missed but it creates an opportunity for 'Colly' [Paul Collingwood] or Jimmy [James Anderson] to come in and make a name for themselves this week."
