England will beat Australia "quite comfortably" in the Ashes if captain Ben Stokes is fit enough to play all five Tests, says former batter Mark Ramprakash.

The series begins on Friday in Perth with England looking to win the urn down under for the first time since 2010-11.

Stokes has recovered from a shoulder issue to play but has missed matches in each of England's past three series because of injuries.

Ramprakash, who also worked with Stokes during his time as England batting coach, pointed to the all-rounder's ability to balance the side but also his leadership.

"He seems to really connect with his team-mates," Ramprakash told BBC Radio 5 Live's on their Ashes preview show.

"He knows how difficult it is to be an international cricketer.

"He gives them his full backing and has great empathy to understand the ups and downs."

Stokes' most recent injury ruled him out of the fifth Test against India in the summer, which the tourists won to draw the series 2-2.

He also missed a Test in Pakistan last winter after tearing his hamstring in the summer and limped out of a match in New Zealand in December having repeated the injury.

"If he is not in the middle to make those decisions, to know when to back his bowlers, when to attack, that is a massive vacuum," Ramprakash said.

"If Ben Stokes plays these five Tests then I think England win and win quite comfortably."