Joe Root has vowed to lead from the front as he strives to make good on his childhood dream of captaining England to Ashes glory.

Root has won the urn twice already, in 2013 and 2015, but oversaw a humbling 4-0 defeat Down Under in his first attempt as skipper 18 months ago.

On Thursday he will step out at Edgbaston for the first of five Tests against the old enemy, driven to put the record straight and achieve an ambition years in the making.

"I wouldn't have named this team if I wasn't confident. We looked at conditions and what we thought was best to take 20 wickets here," said Root.

"Jofra is coming back from a very serious injury. This also allows him time to get absolutely ready and fit. We need to make sure his workloads are up and ready to go for later in the series if he needs to make an impact."

Root is one of six players who featured in England's epic World Cup win little more than a fortnight ago, an experience he feels will continue to stand the side in good stead when the pressure is on.

"I think if you look back at that final and everything it threw at the group that played in it, those are experiences you can hold with you forever," he said.

"It will be interesting to see that unfold in the series but it can only be a positive and that's great for our group."