It turns out this Ashes series will not just have one inspirational leader to marvel at. It turns out there is another talismanic skipper, another who can inspire his team-mates by swashbuckling example.
Another who can grab victory from defeat’s jaw, another fearless frontman. In many ways, Pat Cummins and Ben Stokes cut contrasting figures, the rockstar and the lad next door who has done good.
But both are irrepressible flag-bearers for their national team. And if Stokes and England did not know they have a formidable captain in opposition this summer, they do now.
