Ashes 2017/18: England's probable XI for first Test

England arrive in Australia hoping to forget the embarrassment they suffered Down Under in the 2013-14 series. They last won there in 2010-11, but their overall record in Australia means that fans will be concerned about their team's chances. The series does follow home series wins against South Africa and the West Indies, and also a home Ashes victory in 2015.

The squad is somewhat depleted following disciplinary issues and injuries, meaning that the choices for the final XI are limited. However, the team selection in the tour matches indicates that this is what the playing XI could look like:

Openers

The openers will be hoping to build a solid foundation for the rest of the batting order.

#1 Alastair Cook

Cook particularly will be hoping to replicate his form from the 2010-11 Ashes in which he was the Player of the Series, scoring 766 runs. With the captaincy passed on to Joe Root, he will want to forget the miserable 5-0 whitewash in 2013-14.

#2 Mark Stoneman

CA XI v England - Stoneman drives

Mark Stoneman is still new to the Test arena with just one series against the West Indies under his belt. He has performed impressively in the warm-up games, scoring four fifties and one hundred, and will want to reproduce this form at the Gabba.

Middle-Order

Barring Joe Root, England's middle order has been frail for a number of years, with no one able to cement a spot in the team.

#3 James Vince

WA XI v England - Vince drives

James Vince has been recalled for the Ashes despite failing to impress in the English summer of 2016 against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. He will be aiming to cement the number three position, which has been vacant since the departure of Jonathan Trott.

#4 Joe Root (c)

CA XI v England - Root late cuts

Joe Root has been a rock in the middle order ever since being dropped for the Sydney Test match in 2014. Root's impressive form has not been affected by his step up from vice-captain to captain at the start of the English summer.

#5 Dawid Malan

CA XI v England - Malan sweeps

Dawid Malan has shown glimpses of form during his young Test career, scoring two fifties at an average of 23.62 in his five Test matches. However, he may come under pressure from Gary Ballance if he does not impress quickly.

All-rounders

A Ben Stokes shaped hole has been left in the batting lineup following the all-rounder's arrest in September. Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes will have to perform if England are to retain the Ashes.

#6 Jonny Bairstow (wk)

CA XI v England - Bairstow cuts

Bairstow has impressed since his Test return in 2015. He now averages almost 40 whilst his wicketkeeping has also improved dramatically.

#7 Moeen Ali

England v South Africa - Moeen admiring his shot

Moeen Ali has become an important member of the England team. His lower-order runs and wicket-taking ability have been invaluable. However, one thing that he will need to improve is his bowling record away from home, something that has flattered to deceive.

#8 Chris Woakes

CA XI v England - Woakes bowls

Woakes has been a consistent performer and is pushing for the chance to open the bowling alongside Jimmy Anderson.

Bowlers

England boast their all-time and second all-time leading wicket-takers in their bowling attack.

#9 Craig Overton

CA XI v England - Overton in delivery stride

Craig Overton will likely debut in Brisbane this coming week. A tall bowler with the ability to score quick runs and bail his team out of trouble, he will hope to establish himself as a Test cricketer with solid performances in the Ashes.

#10 Stuart Broad

CA XI v England - Broad bowls

Stuart Broad will hope to replicate his Ashes 2015 success which included remarkable figures of 8-15 at Trent Bridge in one of the Tests.

#11 James Anderson

WA XI v England - Anderson charging in

James Anderson will share the new ball with Broad and try to replicate his performances of the 2010-11 series where he took the most wickets (24).