Alastair Cook: Ben Stokes can be this Ashes' Freddie Flintoff

Much focus leading into the upcoming series, which starts on Wednesday, has been focused on the big-hitting, pacy all-rounder, who promised to "give as good as I get" when it comes to sledging and aggression.

However, captain Cook thinks Stokes will have a huge impact on the five-Test series with the bat and ball, and believes the Durham star will play within the spirit of the came - something which often comes into question during the hotly-contested Ashes.

England go into the latest edition of the age-old battle for the urn with a new breed of attacking options in Stokes, Jos Buttler and Gary Ballance.

Stokes' batting was a revelation in the Lord's victory over New Zealand at the start of this summer, after being pushed up to number six, and England fans will hope for more of the same as Trevor Bayliss' side look to regain the urn.

When asked who he thought might be the Flintoff, in the 10th anniversary summer of England's memorable 2005 series victory, Cook had little hesitation.

"I'm going to pick another all-rounder - Ben Stokes," he said.

"He's been in fantastic form this summer. I believe he's coming into his own. He feels comfortable, and I think he's going to have a fantastic summer.

"He's had an interesting career so far, but over the last six months he's really matured as a cricketer.

"Being left out of the World Cup squad, I think, hurt him. We all know he's got the talent to have been there, but he would say himself he wasn't performing in a way to merit selection.

"I like the way he's gone about his business this summer. He trains incredibly hard and physically he is in good shape.

"He also understands international cricket a little bit better than when he started."

Among the new personnel, Gary Ballance has hit a run of lean form.

But Cook has great faith in his fellow left-hander, in the pivotal number three position.

"In an ideal world, you'd have every single batter playing as well as they can.

"It hasn't quite clicked for Gary this summer. But his record is fantastic - he is a really good player.

"He's got that fighting attitude to get him through."

The doubters point to a trigger movement which takes Ballance deep in the crease as a potential problem.

Cook remains impressed, however.

"I just like his technique.

"He's got to stick to his method, because that's what's got him here to average 50-odd in Test cricket - a thousand runs in his first year.

"All the good stuff, people can forget about very quickly.

"He is a really good player, and we back him to the hilt."