David Gower is backing Bazball to emulate the impact of the 2005 and 1981 Ashes and lift the mood of the nation if England can regain the urn this summer.

The most hotly-anticipated series for some time gets underway at Edgbaston on Friday, with Ben Stokes’ and Brendon McCullum’s bold new side looking to win the Ashes back for the first time since 2017.

Pat Cummins’ Australia dominated the last series Down Under but England have been on a transformative journey since then under the new leadership of captain Stokes and coach McCullum.

Tunbridge Wells-born Gower, who featured in England’s storied 1981 triumph and watched Michael Vaughan’s side seal a dramatic victory in 2005, says this summer could have a similar impact on the British public but warned the hosts will face a stern test against Australia’s razor-sharp seam attack.

“Each and every Ashes series is special, and each and every man or woman that plays in an Ashes series is aware of a lot of history, that huge competitive edge that comes with it,” said Gower.

“I have been part of Ashes series such as 1981, I watched the 2005 series, where the fate of the Ashes determines the mood of the nation, it’s an extraordinary thing.

“In ’81, there were all sorts of things going wrong around the country that year but somehow the fact we beat Australia, God knows how, Botham, Willis, the great men, it just lifted everyone.

“England are on the absolute crest of a very big wave after the last 12 months.

“It has been a transformative time, I take my hat off and kneel before Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

“They have been brilliant but this is a big test. They all knew this would be the big test.

“You have got slightly different cultures with the way the game is played in Australia and England, Bazball will be tested and for England to win this Ashes series they can try a bit of Bazball at the right time, but at the same time it is going to be tough. 

“We know that Australia have a very good bowling attack and they aren’t going to lie down, they are not going to make it easy for England’s batsmen, however many flamboyant batsmen we can put on the field.

“There is a slight clash of cultures which is perfect, it gives that added interest in the series which is already going to be ferociously watched by those on both sides of the world.”

This summer’s Ashes series is the first on English soil since 2019, where the talismanic Stokes grabbed the headlines with his remarkable innings at Headingley to help England to draw the series.

And Gower believes Stokes, now as captain, will once again be key if England are to regain the urn.

“Name me one man who is more impressive than Ben Stokes,” added Gower, who is president of the Lord’s Taverners and was speaking at the charity’s National Table Cricket Finals Day at Lord’s.

“Ben to me has been the most brilliant revelation over the past 12 months. 

“I wouldn’t have known it six or seven years ago that he had it within him, but he has been the most inspirational captain. 

“He has lived through all sorts of things in his own life and he has become the most brilliant leader.

“For he and McCullum to engender a team spirit that has taken them from losing 99% of the time to winning 99% of their games just like that, it is the most extraordinary thing. 

“Long may it last and please dear God can England win the Ashes.”

The Lord’s Taverners impacts the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality. The charity works across the UK and beyond to provide inclusive and impactful cricket programmes, empowering young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities – visit www.lordstaverners.org