It is always a daunting challenge for an England side to face Australia on their own patch in a battle to win the Ashes.
It’s a more difficult proposition when heading into it unsure of who to pick in a number of crucial positions.
Worse still when the squad selected fails to inspire fans and likely leaves the hosts in buoyant mood.
However, when you throw in the matter of potentially losing your star all-rounder and vice-captain, you’re surely fighting a losing battle.
Ben Stokes is absolutely crucial to England. Alongside captain Joe Root he is the Three Lions’ best player. Given his brilliance with bat, ball and in the field, he arguably even tops run machine Root.
Stokes wins games single-handedly with a thrust of his bat or a swinging spell with the ball. He takes world-class catches; he carries his team and lifts the crowd. He’s a game changer, a match winner. There’s no other player like him arguably in the world, let alone in England. And he’s in the form of his life.
Universally now regarded as the best all-rounder in the business, Stokes has enjoyed a brilliant summer across all formats, helped no doubt by the confidence that saw him become the IPL’s most expensive player and eventually be named the most valuable one. No mean feat given how much he cost his franchise.
However, it is a summer that has ended in ignominy. Stokes’ summer - if you can call it that in September - was cut short as he was dropped from England’s final two One Day Internationals against West Indies after he was arrested.
The Durham star spent the night in police cells in Bristol after allegedly punching a man in a nightclub. It’s said he fractured a finger as a result.
Although he was named in England’s uninspiring Ashes squad on Wednesday, Stokes’ participation in the most important series for an England fan and player is surely in doubt.
Firstly, how is the injured finger? Will that limit him, and affect the form he’s produced?
Secondly, will the ongoing investigation and potential court appearances in the weeks to come call for Stokes to remain in England and miss out on the plane - or face having to make trips back which will disrupt the squad and his own ability to achieve maximum performance.
Then there is the mental damage that such an episode will have done to him. It can go one of two ways. Either it could bring the best from him as he tries to write any wrongs that he may be culpable for. He could put all the off-field pressure aside and deliver on the field as normal. Or it could consume him and limit his capabilities to perform.
There is no question England need an all-in Stokes to really fire Down Under. He’s arguably the only player Australia truly fear.
The alternatives to Stokes from the squad selected are weak. There are already doubts over positions three and five - crucial roles in the batting lineup. To lose your number six as well is troubling for any side, particularly when he bowls as the fourth seamer so well, too.
But above all it’s Stokes’ X factor that puts him apart from others. That is irreplaceable.
England have a job trying to win without having to find someone to take Stokes’ place. If he is forced out, they have next to no chance.
