Ben Stokes' Ashes inclusion will "send shivers" up Australia's spines, says Michael Vaughan

The allrounder's months-long break from the game was also down to a commitment to protecting his mental health, but he is now ready to play a leading role for England in the five-match campaign, which is due to begin in Brisbane on December 8

Ben Stokes's return to the England Test team will send shivers up Australian spines, according to Michael Vaughan.

Stokes was added to the travelling party for this winter's series on Monday, following a successful period of rehabilitation from a broken finger.

The allrounder's months-long break from the game was also down to a commitment to protecting his mental health, but he is now ready to play a leading role for England in the five-match campaign, which is due to begin in Brisbane on December 8.

Former England captain Vaughan thinks Stokes's availability changes the complexion of the series considerably.

"Ben Stokes's return for the Ashes is huge," Vaughan wrote in his column in the Daily Telegraph.

"Crucially, he is also a player Australia fear.

^{Ben Stokes has been added to England's Ashes squad}

"The scars he inflicted on them at Headingley two years ago will not have fully healed, and the sight of him walking out at Brisbane - or wherever he manages to play his first Test - will send a few shivers up local spines."

Stokes batting at No.5 and offering overs with the ball gives England's selectors the opportunity to be more flexible with their line-up, and opens the door to Joe Root being able to call on a specialist spinner, most likely Jack Leach.

The vice-captain's absence from the red-ball side was horribly apparent during the summer, as Root and head coach Chris Silverwood struggled to balance the XI.

"Without him, I would not have given England a chance in Australia; with him, they have a glimmer of hope - and maybe a bit more than that," Vaughan wrote.

"Stokes is the engine of this England team, the guy who powers them. Not only does he contribute massively himself, he lifts the performances of those around him, inspiring, cajoling and driving up standards."

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