The first two matches were total polar opposites, with the tourists winning the first test by an innings, and England winning the second test in the same fashion. It is bound to be another enthralling contest though, and South Africa are likely to deploy their relentless four-man attack yet again after dropping Marco Jansen for the extra spinner at Old Trafford.
Harry Brook is set to make his test debut for England after Jonny Bairstow was ruled out after suffering a freak injury playing golf - a huge blow for the home side.
Both teams will be feeling confident going into the test match at the Oval, but how have England previously fared going into a deciding contest with the scores level? Let’s take a look at the last six occasions.
West Indies v England, third test – 2021/22
After their humiliating 4-0 defeat in the Ashes, this series was dubbed 'a red-ball reset'. It didn’t go according to plan.
Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad were dropped from the squad in an attempt to look to the future, but without them, England looked utterly toothless on dull, placid pitches. Following two stale draws, England were bowled out timidly for 204 and 120 in the deciding test, leaving West Indies to knock off just 28 runs in the final innings.
West Indies wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva made a brilliant 100 in their first innings, as England’s red-ball reset got off to a dire start.
Engalnd v New Zealand, second test – 2021
England were roundly criticised after refusing to attempt a run chase of 273 in around 70 overs after a sporting declaration by Kane Williamson in the first test, and that came back to bite them when they arrived at Edgbaston.
Joe Root’s team were skittled out cheaply yet again for 122 in the second innings thanks to some awful batting and stunning swing bowling from the New Zealanders, particularly Matt Henry. The tourists had mounted an 85-run lead after scoring 388 in their first innings, meaning they had a straightforward run chase of 41 in their final innings.
Another dismal batting performance in the decisive test cost England yet again, but this time also dealt them their first home series loss since 2014.
England v West Indies, third test – 2020
West Indies had gone 1-0 up in the first test after Jermaine Blackwood’s 95 helped them knock off a target of 200 in the last innings. England then levelled the series at Old Trafford thanks to hundreds from Dom Sibley and Ben Stokes.
England dominated the final test, with Broad (6-31 and 4-36) taking 10 wickets in the match. West Indies were bowled out for 197 and 129 as they were dismantled and lost the series 2-1.
England v Ireland – 2019
Despite being a one-off test match, it is still technically a ‘decider’. Surprisingly, England really struggled at times and were made to work by Ireland on a treacherous Lord's pitch.
After the home side were bowled out cheaply (yes, again) for 85, Ireland managed to forge a 122-run lead. England performed much better in the second innings, scoring 303 thanks to a 92 by nightwatchman Jack Leach.
Woakes (6-17) and Broad (4-19) then shared 10 wickets to bowl Ireland out for 38 – the lowest-ever score at Lord’s. What started off as looking like a potential upset, ended in a hammering.
England v West Indies, third test – 2017
West Indies involved yet again.
The Windies had levelled the series after a brilliant run chase of 322 in the second test, thanks to twin tons from Shai Hope. However, England ran out winners in the last test in a low-scoring affair at Lord’s.
The tourists were bowled out for 123, only for England to respond to get to 193. However, West Indies could only make 177 after an Anderson 7-for, with England chasing the 107 needed for the loss of just one wicket.
England v Sri Lanka, second test – 2014
Sri Lanka had hung on for a thrilling draw in the first test, but the second was no less dramatic.
After both teams had batted the first time around, England led by 108 runs with Sam Robson scoring his first (and only) test century.
However, Sri Lanka were phenomenal in their second innings, as Angelo Mathews hit 160 off 249 balls, leaving England 350 to chase within 117 overs.
They started poorly, and were 57-5 and 160-7, leaving them with no chance to chase the total. But Moeen Ali batted sensationally and vigilantly to get to 108 from 281 balls. With one over left of the series, Sri Lanka needed one more wicket to win with Moeen and Anderson at the crease.
Unbelievably, with two balls to go, Anderson was bounced out by Shaminda Eranga as the away team clinched the series. Anderson could barely believe it, looking devasted while hunched over his bat.
A finish which really summed up the rollercoaster nature of these two tests.