BEAST MODE ACTIVATED

Stokes' dedication bowls over Duckett

- BY DAVID CHARLESWORTH

BEN DUCKETT has warned Australia that England captain Ben Stokes is going into “beast mode” to be ready for the Ashes.

Stokes has been sidelined since late July with the shoulder injury that curtailed his summer but he is expected to be fit to lead England in their first Test against Australia, starting on November 21 in Perth.

It is also anticipated he will be able to fulfil his brief as an all-rounder, having appeared back to his best with the ball over the summer (inset), with 20 wickets in five Tests at an average of 24.05.

His preparations after arriving in Perth with his England teammates have astonished Duckett, who is in no doubt Stokes is crucial to their hopes of regaining the urn for the first time since 2015.