Perth, Nov. 11 -- Ahead of the opening fixture of the Ashes, England opening batter Ben Duckett termed captain Ben Stokes "probably the most important man" in the team.

Duckett is full of praise for Stokes' intense training, saying he's never seen anyone train like Stokes is currently doing. Duckett described Stokes as being in "beast mode".

Australia will take on England in the opening fixtures of the Ashes on November 21 in Perth. Steve Smith will lead the side as Pat Cummins is not in the team due to injury.

"He's obviously probably the most important man in this side when he's bowling. So hopefully he stays fit for all five tests and he's bowling in all of them because he's crucial for us," Ben Duckett, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo....