England pin hopes on pace barrage for success in Ashes

England go into the first Test against Australia on Friday with arguably their most hostile attack in decades, putting their faith in fast bowling in a quest to regain the Ashes.

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Not since a bowling lineup led by John Snow and Bob Willis helped England to a 1970-71 series win have they arrived in Australia with such an array of genuine quicks.

In Jofra Archer and Mark Wood they have two bowlers of express pace, both capable of regularly topping 90 mph.

Josh Tongue is also a wicket-taking threat, while Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts add depth to an impressive attack that could feature Gus Atkinson, a seamer whose 13 Tests have yielded 63 wickets at an impressively low average of 22.01.

If England captain Ben Stokes can stay fit after a series of injuries, his lively medium-pace should help balance the attack.

England have not won any of their last 15 Tests in Australia since their 2010-II Ashes triumph, a run of 13 defeats and two draws.

Back then, the fast-medium accuracy of James Anderson was supplemented by the speed of Steven Finn, Tim Bresnan and Chris Tremlett.

Australia's traditionally hard, bouncy pitches have favoured fast bowling, but England seam attacks on recent tours have been short of raw speed.