Ben Duckett has sent a clear message to Australia ahead of the Ashes, stating that Ben Stokes is in “beast mode” and is involved in intense training.

Stokes is among the only three all-rounders who have scored over 7,000 runs while claiming more than 200 wickets, alongside legends Gary Sobers and Jacques Kallis.

Known for his match-winning 135* in the 2019 Headingley Test, Stokes is expected to take charge as England look to secure a historic Test series win on Australian soil.

“I can only say we’ve been training for a few days, and he’s been absolutely in beast mode,” Duckett said on the Willow Talk podcast.

“He’s been running, bowling two spells, and batting for a couple of hours. The way he’s been training is something that I’ve never seen before,” Duckett added.

The England batter pointed out Stokes’ significance to the team, hoping he remains fully fit.

“He’s probably the most important man in this side when he’s bowling. We just hope he stays fit and bowls in all five Tests because he’s crucial to our side,” Duckett added.

Duckett spoke about England’s strategy for the series. “As an opening batter, there are moments where we’ve got five overs to see at the end of the day,” he mentioned.

“And I did something similar against India last summer, where the focus was simply on surviving.”

The Ashes kicks off on Friday, November 21, with the first Test set to take place in Perth.