(Cricket news) The most grudge rivalry in cricket is about to kick off down under. Australia and England will go head to head forto head for a classic old school 5 match Test Series. 18 England players have travelled to Australia with the first game set to take place in Brisbane at the Gabba.

England have Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad fit and back in contention. The concern for England is still around their batting which will receive a massive boost with the return of Stokes. Here's England's ideal playing XI-

Openers: Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed

Both Burns and Hameed scored a half century in their last game against India. The pair are likely to keep their place in the side. Zak Crawley is another option but England would be keen to go with Hameed and Burns who look quite comfortable batting with each other.

Middle order: Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Johnny Bairstow

Root and Bairstow played all the 4 Tests against India while Malan came in for the last two Tests. Skipper Joe Root is probably the best Test batsman in the world currently and will definitely be in the side even if he isn't fully fit. Malan has been alright since his comeback to red ball cricket. Bairstow has been very short of runs in Tests recently but should just get the nod ahead of Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence and  Zak Crawley.

All-rounder: Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes' return is a major boost for England. He goes straight back into the side without a shadow of a doubt. Stokes' presence alone could solve England's middle order troubles. Root will be very happy to have Stokes back. He will also have to get in a few overs especially if England go for only 3 seamers.

Also read: Australia's ideal playing XI for the first Ashes Test at the Gabba

Wicket keeper: Jos Buttler

Buttler is another English batter who isn't in the best of forms. A successful T20 World Cup is a good sign if he can carry the momentum forward. Bairstow could don the gloves if Buttler is dropped but he isn't in the greatest of touch either which makes the England Vice captain a guaranteed starter.

Bowlers: Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Jack Leech

Stuart Broad and James Anderson pretty much pick themselves. If England do pick a spinner which will be very fruitful in Australian conditions it is likely to be Jack Leech ahead of Dom Bess. Based on recent performances, Ollie Robinson narrowly edges it ahead of Chris Woakes. Root may go the other way because of Woakes' experience and ability with the willow. It is difficult to see Mark Wood make it to the XI at this point in time. There is an outside chance that England play both Robinson and Woakes and trust Joe Root to be the only spinner in the side.