MENTALITY MONSTER

Captain fantastic Stokes driving the standards

- BY RORY DOLLARD

JOE ROOT has revealed the “infectious” powers of England skipper Ben Stokes - with the Ashes just weeks away.

Root believes England are ready to end their decadelong Ashes drought and “bring the urn home’.

The First Test starts in Perth on November 21 and one thing that already appears to be trending in England's direction is the fitness of the rival's captain.

While the news from Australia suggests Pat Cummins is likely to miss the first Test - with further uncertainty for the remainder - Root is tipping Stokes to come out all guns blazing.

Stokes was back to his all-round best against India this summer until a shoulder injury ruled him out of the deciding Test.