Ashes: Ben Stokes calls on England to ‘create history’ in Australia

Stokes has been part of a one-time Ashes-winning side since making his debut in 2013. He has created some all-time great Ashes moments, most notably his epic unbeaten 135 to win the 2019 Headingley Ashes Test.

His place in English sporting history has been confirmed for his exploits in Test cricket and match-winning performances in both the 2019 50-over World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup.

If the 34-year-old joins the five other post-war captains to leave Australia with the pitcher, Stokes will be in the conversation as one of England’s greatest cricketers.

“I know this is a series that will probably be highlighted above all the other series I’ve been a leader in,” he said.

He added: “But this will not diminish the time, energy and effort I spent as captain of England.”

England can unleash their fastest Test attack by naming five batsmen in their XI for the series opener at Perth Stadium.

Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Braydon Carse and Stokes can reach speeds of 90mph.

The battery of fast bowlers available to the tourists for this series is the result of long-term planning to get to Australia at the pace England feel is required to achieve success here.

“If we had gone back two years before the team had been selected, and that was what was available to us, we would have bitten your hand off,” Stokes said.

He added that England are “lucky” to have been able to select bowlers who can “add skill” to their pace as well.

Stokes has returned to fitness after recovering from a shoulder injury that ruled him out of England’s last Test against India in July.

The Durham man has not completed any of the past four England series due to various injuries and his fitness will be crucial to hopes of winning back the urn.

“I come into the series playing this all-rounder role with bat and ball,” he said.

“I’ve worked extremely hard to make sure when I play that I’m able to give that full commitment to that role, just because I know how much it impacts the team and how it balances the team out.”