LONDON. Aug 7: There will be no room for se nttment when the fifth and final Test between

England and the West Indies gels underway at the Oval here on Thursday, reports AFT

For recalled England allrounder Ian Botham will be do tag his best to wreck the lest

finale of his great friend. West Indies skipper Vtv Richards. The 39year-old Antiguan Is already assured of retiring from the international scene without losing a series as cap tain following his side's victory In the fourth Teat at Edgbaston

But Botham Is fired up to take some of the gloss off an other memorable summer for his big buddy as he return to the Test arena for the first time tn two years

*1 feel in pretty good nick and am looking forward to the challenge said the 35-year old. who will be playing In his 98th Test. "After all. they don't come much bigger s

"Clearly it's going to be tough, because they're such high-callibre opposition, but I'll be out there doing my best for Goochie and the other lads Who knows ? Anything might happen."

England have turned to Botham in a last-ditch attempt to salvage the series after some dreadful top-order batting at Trent Bridge and Edgbaston enabled the West Indies to recover from losing the first Test and open up a 2-1 lead

It Is asking a lot of the legendary all-rounder to serve up another miracle, but he Is clearly in the mood, having recorded his best county championship bowling performance on Monday against leaders Warwickshire.

England will also be boosted .by the return of exciting middle-order batsman Robin Smith and attacking spinner

Phill Tufnell

But the recall of Alec Stewart, eon of manager Micky, as a batsman wicketkeeper for Jack Rusaell. ar guably the beat gloveman In the world, looks like a major blunder.

The West Indies could also make changes to their winning side, with paceman Malcolm Marshall and batsman Ous Logic suffering from knee In Juries, and fast bowler Courtney Walsh troubled by u sore shin.

In addition, left-handed opener Clayton Lambert has staked a claim for Phil Simmons place with 335 runa In his last five innings against the counties.

However. Simmons, who has scored only 130 runs in four Tests, is likely to be retained because of his high class close fielding and useful seam bowling

Richards, who will be playing tn his 121st Test, is relishing another battle with Botham

"You couldn't write a better script." said the West Indies skipper. "I've admired Ian for years, shared a flat with him in our Somerset days and It's so appropriate that he should be back when I'm saying goodbyc

"When I heard England had picked him. I Just had to make contact. I know his comeback will create a wonderful atmosphere. It couldn't be better."

With the Oval already sold out for the first four days of a match which will decide a fas cinating series, the stage Is

set All tt needs now la for the two principal actors to make their entrance

Sadly. in Richards case, a final exit will follow all loo soon with no more than an en core during next year's World Cup in Australia to come

“The cricket cannot go on for < wr he said This will Ik im Ursi Test, but I would love lu pfoj m 'he WoHd Cup and I'll be back here for a couple more seasons with Glamorgan."