Shane Warne's five-wicket haul ensured Australia edged the opening day of the Ashes decider at The Oval.

Leg-spinner Warne single-handedly worked his side into the contest, claiming four for 16 in an eight-over spell either side of lunch after the tourists struggled for an initial breakthrough.

He struck again in the final half-hour to remove centurion Andrew Strauss during a run of three wickets for 23 runs as England finished on 319 for seven.

Strauss now has seven hundreds in only 19 Test appearances, the latest compiled rebuilding the innings alongside Andrew Flintoff (72).

Their 143-run partnership culminated when Glenn McGrath - returning after an elbow injury - found the outside edge of Flintoff's bat deep into the final session.

Needing to avoid defeat to claim a first series victory over the Australians for 18 years, England were given the perfect start when Michael Vaughan won his third consecutive toss and opted to bat first on a surface which traditionally encourages large totals.

But some fine catching to supplement Warne's bowling means there is plenty to do for the bowlers with both bat and ball.