Debutant Faulkner fires up at England

England are 4-247 and still trail Australia by 245 runs on the first innings, meaning the match is seemingly destined for a draw with just a day to play.

Supporters with day four tickets got their money back after rain prevented a single ball being bowled.

QUICK SINGLE: The Oval day four wrap

But Faulkner says those who were unlucky enough to witness England shut up shop with an excruciatingly slow batting performance on day three should also be entitled to compensation.

Certainly the rain was falling at a greater rate than England's strokeplay.

"They chose to bat the way they batted. If you are three nil up there is no reason why you shouldn't put in and try to get four nil up," Faulkner said.

"That's their choice. If you face 116 overs for 247 it's a pretty boring day.

"I know the fans get a refund for their ticket today but maybe they should get a refund for yesterday."

Playing in his first Test hasn't deterred the allrounder from joining the growing list of Australian stars to publicly slam England.

Unable to take his much-publicised aggression out on England on the field, Faulkner took his chance to get stuck in at the press conference - while also paying tribute to mentor, and the man who presented him with his baggy green, Shane Warne.

Coach Darren Lehmann started the verbal ball rolling by branding Stuart Broad a "blatant cheat", while Mitchell Starc questioned the true quality of a team that's up 3-0 in a series yet doesn't play to win.

The confidence of Faulkner to taunt his opponents before his debut is even complete, may raise an eyebrow or two in the England camp.

But always true to his feisty personality, Faulkner says England better get used to the fact they'll soon be out of their comfort zone.

"When they come to Australia it will be played on our terms. They will be in for a hell of a challenge," he said.

"It didn't surprise me. Any time they get threatened they go into their shell and play defensive cricket."

Australia's only hope would be to take six quick England wickets for less than 45 runs and force the home side to follow-on.

Despite the fact they're unlikely to salvage a result from this Ashes series, Australia are growing in belief.

They know how concerted England's plans were to doctor dry pitches, and Old Trafford and The Oval have proven that the minute Australia have gained control, England have dropped anchor and played for draws.

Australia have lost the big moments and batting collapses are still happening all too often, but otherwise they're on the improve and look more settled.

England haven't posted a total of over 400 for the series and even their batting coach Graham Gooch admits Australia have gained some ground.

"We haven't scored the big runs we would like but we've still won three games," Gooch said.

"We need to improve. Australia have found a better combination.

"I'm not really interested in talking about them - but we know to beat Australia in their own backyard. We are going to have to be a lot better both with the bat and with the ball."