ENGLAND'S PAYDAY URNERS

Stokes' squad for the opening Test in Perth is primed to go all guns blazing

- RORY DOLLARD

ZAK CRAWLEY (Age 27, Caps 59) Batting average: 31.55

The Kent opener has been given a huge amount of leeway in recent years, but England believe he has match-winning potential on Australian pitches.

Memorably lashed the first ball of the 2023 series to the cover boundary and could be eager for a repeat.

BEN DUCKETT (31, 38) Batting avg: 42.87

The 'little' to Crawley's 'large', the left-hander plays a vital role in getting England going. His refusal to leave the new ball brings runs and risk in equal measure, a method that will be tested Down Under for the first time.

OLLIE POPE (27, 61) Batting avg: 35.36

Boasts nine Test hundreds, but averages just 15.70 against Australia.

Pope, though, believes he is more prepared than ever for the hostility of an Ashes series after fighting hard for his place over the past year. He reeled off confident knocks of 100 and 90 in the three-day warm-up against England Lions last week.

JOE ROOT (34, 158) Batting avg: 51.29 Bowling: 73 wkts at 47.47