PAUL Nixon says Ben Stokes possesses the perfect "character" to thrive in an Ashes series in Australia - but that England will no longer be dwelling on the Cumbrian's absence.

The prospect of Stokes having any involvement Down Under remained under a cloud as the series got under way, with the Cockermouth man still the subject of a police investigation after a late-night brawl in Bristol in September.

Former England wicketkeeper Nixon, from Langwathby, near Penrith, admits Stokes' skills with bat and ball could have been "what is needed in Australia".

"He can win a game with bat and ball, and even his fielding, as well. He has taken some great catches of late," Nixon said on Stokes.

"On a flat wicket to have someone of Ben Stokes’ character – to have that ‘grab it by the scruff of the neck and make it happen’ – is what is needed in Australia. That’s where Freddie [Andrew Flintoff] was so good.

"He was the go-to guy for the captain to get a wicket. If anyone can swing that red Kookaburra ball in the middle of an innings, it is Stokesy. He has done it so many times.

"Then, with the bat, he can take the game away from people. That is the perfect foil in Australia."

But Nixon added: "It would be huge (if Stokes features in the series at some stage) but England won’t be focusing on that now.

"It will be on what the attack is going to be for now and it will be on whose got the skill but, more importantly, who has the character to do it."

Meanwhile, Stokes himself sent a message of support to his England team-mates ahead of the start of the first Test at the Gabba.

In a short video on his Twitter account Stokes said: "With the Ashes starting very soon, I just wanted to give a message out to all the boys out in Australia wishing them all the best for the first Test match and [to] all the coaches and the backroom staff, as well.

"I know how much preparation has gone into making sure everyone is right and ready to go. By the looks of it, everyone is."