Ben Stokes’ focus is on the Ashes as Test series begins

Ben Stokes has started England’s Ashes countdown, admitting ruthless selection decisions had to be taken to build a side that can win in Australia.

England are still 18 months away from their next tour Down Under but, if there was any doubt about the top priority of Stokes’ captaincy, he removed it on the eve of the summer’s first Test against the West Indies.