Former England bowler Steve Harmison has backed Ben Stokes to be included for the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.

Stoke is not expected to feature during the opening Test in Brisbane tonight, but speculation has suggested that England may require a fifth bowler for what is usually a flat pitch at the Adelaide Oval.

If that does prove to be the case, Harmison believes that the Durham all-rounder should come into contention.

"For that pitch, I think there's a spot up for grabs to have a fifth bowler and Ben is that player," he said.

Stokes is yet to represent England at Test level.