Andrew Flintoff urged his team-mates to give every last ounce of effort in their bid to seal Ashes success after Australia worked an ominous advantage on a rain-ruined day at The Oval.

The Australians enter tomorrow's fourth day only 96 runs in arrears with eight wickets in hand, a position which should lead to a healthy advantage with the prospect of Shane Warne bowling on a roughed-up surface to come.

Australian openers Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer struck hundreds to lay the platform between the showers as England struggled for penetration without the injured Simon Jones.

Langer eventually fell for 105 when he chopped a Steve Harmison delivery into off-stump while Lancashire all-rounder Flintoff was rewarded for his hard toil when Australian captain Ricky Ponting guided low to gully.

Despite pounding in for almost 20 overs already, however, Flintoff has promised to push himself to the limits in the quest for a first series win over Australia for 18 years.

"The Australians have got their noses in front but we have scrapped and fought for a long time now and we have put in some special performances," he said.

"We have two days left and we have to give it everything we have got.

"Every ounce of energy we have got in our tanks has to be left out there on the pitch.

"We have shown on many occasions the character, will and strength of this side and that will have to be called upon again - and we are confident we can do that.

"There is so much at stake at this stage that there are not too many people complaining of being tired."

Hayden, who resumes on 110, entered this match playing for his international future and responded with an innings of rare resilience which even got the approval of Flintoff, who commemorated the left-handed opener's landmark with a pat on the back.

"The series as a whole has been played in a great spirit," added Flintoff.

"It is the two best sides in the world going head to head and it has been a great advert for cricket.

"It has been competitive, the odd word has been said here and there in the middle but afterwards we have got on well, we have been in each other's dressing rooms, having a beer and talking things over."