The Sydney Morning Herald greeted the announcement of England’s Ashes squad on Tuesday by saying: “It has the capacity to blow Australia away. It also has the capacity to go down in a flaming heap.”

It is a fair summation of a squad that includes five fast bowlers who can all breach the 90mph barrier – but all of whom have had significant injury problems in recent years.

Runs from England’s top six will be crucial, especially from Joe Root and Harry Brook, the world’s No 1 and No 2-ranked batters.

Yet they will count for little unless England can consistently take 20 wickets per Test, starting in Perth on 21 November.

That’s why the fitness of Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue is likely to decide these Ashes.

If England can keep them fit, they have

See Full Page