Root must con players they can beat Aussies

convince them they enough to beat this team.

“I don’t think it is right to go there and talk down the Aussies. I’ve been around captains that do that and it doesn’t work. It is worth saying they are good.’’

Vaughan, who famously captained England to a home Ashes triumph in 2005, ending 16 years of Australian domination, said Root would have to convince his players that they could not blitz the opposition into submission.

“I don’t see them blowing Australia away in three days,” said the former captain.

Root’s men, who are Ashes holders after winning at home in 2015, will start their campaign in the notoriously hostile arena of the Gabba in Brisbane on November 23.

They may be without Stokes, who will not be on the flight out on October 28, though no final decision has been taken on his involvement in the series.

The Test vice-captain was arrested in September on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and suspended from internationals until further notice following an apparent fight outside a nightclub.

The powerful all-rounder, who was released without charge but remains under investigation, was included in the Ashes squad despite are good Australian reportedly injuring his hand in the incident that led to his arrest.

Vaughan, speaking at the launch of BT Sport’s Ashes coverage in London in his capacity as a pundit, admitted that if Stokes were missing, it would be a huge boost for the opposition.

“I am sure Australia respect a lot of our players but the one they fear the most is not going to be there,” he said.

“I’ve not seen too many celebrations from the Australians but I am sure in private they have cracked open a few bottles.

“If (batsman David) Warner was injured next week and out of the Ashes I am sure you would find the England players celebrating.

“It is not disrespecting Alastair Cook but I would say Stokes is England’s second best player with the bat. With the ball he is erratic at times but he has an impact.

“In the field you know he will produce something. More importantly it is his mindset.

“I watch England walk out on the field and when Stokes is in the team they walk out two inches taller. If he is not there in Brisbane you would have to say the Australians are clear favourites to win the series.”

England have lost two of their past three tours in Australia 5-0, either side of their 3-1 win in 2010/11. — AFP