Former Australian batsman Simon Katich has outlined two major positives for England ahead of the Ashes.
Katich believes England captain Joe Root will go a long way to putting his side in a winning position in any of the five Test matches such has been his recent batting form.
Root has struck three centuries in his past four Tests against India and brings some quality form down under where he will lead the English into battle against the Aussies.
“The big positive is that in the last 12 to 18 months, Joe Root has been magnificent,” Katich said on SEN Mornings.
“He’s singlehandedly kept that English batting line-up together during some tough little periods, particularly against India recently in England.
“He’s been dominant and he’s been converting those starts. He’s always been a very consistent player, but he’s now really getting the big hundreds and setting England up when they need runs because the top order has been a bit of a revolving door.
“It will be interesting to see how their top order handles these conditions against our attack.”
Katich is also expecting a “shootout” of sorts between Root and prolific Australian number four Steve Smith.
“I think Root is the big one,” he added.
“It’s going to be a shootout between he and Steve Smith. Their runs at the pivotal number four position is going to be crucial to both teams’ chances of getting big fist innings totals.”
Another major bonus for England is the presence of all-rounder Ben Stokes who was a late addition to the squad after overcoming a finger injury and mental health issues.
“Stokes coming back in is obviously a big plus for them,” Katich said.
“He’s a world class player, we know that he adds balance to their team and gives them the ability to potentially play a spinner in most of the Test matches.”
The first Test between Australia and England kicks off on December 8 at the Gabba in Brisbane.