Ashes 2017/18: Top 5 English players

#1 Joe Root

Root has been the most consistent batsman for England in recent times

The skipper shoulders two important burdens - regaining the Ashes and leading the batting charge. The world No. 2 Test batsman will lead England for the first time in an Ashes series, but it is his performance with the bat that will determine the outcome of the tournament.

He was the Man of the Series, scoring 460 runs and grabbing four wickets, in the last Ashes that was played in 2015.

His record in Australia is poor, averaging just 27 in four Tests, while his overall Test average is over 53. He will have to be consistent in this series and hold together the batting order alongside Cook.