Moeen Ali says England can still win the Ashes – with or without Ben Stokes in their side this winter.
And the Worcestershire all-rounder – England’s man of the series in the ODI’s against the West Indies – would relish the chance to bat higher up the order if circumstances dictate that happens.
Moeen admits he “can’t wait” for the five match series to get underway with the first Test in Brisbane just seven weeks away.
The 30-year-old said: “I definitely feel we can still win otherwise there’s no point in going out there.
“If he (Ben Stokes) is not there, we are going to have to play well.
“We all know what a good cricketer he is and what he can bring to the table. He’s one of the main players but we will see what happens.”
Moeen has been a major success batting at number eight but has also shown his effectiveness when used further up the order.
He said: “The higher up I bat, the better. I’m used to number eight at the moment but if I get told to bat at seven I feel capable of doing well there. It doesn’t really matter where.
“I’m going to go out to Australia with a fresh mindset, hopefully winning the series and coming home with the little urn.
“I genuinely can’t wait. I’m very excited. When you are a young player, you’re thinking you would love to be on that tour. I never thought I would be and, to be going, I’m very fortunate.”
