JOS BUTTLER believes a humbling Ashes loss will make Ben Stokes even more intent on leading England to the top of the world Test rankings.

Most observers predicted a closely contested battle for the urn but a depleted Australia, who were without their first-choice bowling attack for the entire series, claimed a 4-1 series triumph.

While the futures of managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum are up in the air, Stokes has been tipped to carry on as Test captain until at least the 2027 Ashes in England.

If he does, Buttler insisted Stokes will be focused on guiding England from third in the ICC Test pile to first — above South Africa, in second, and top-ranked Australia.

“I know Ben pretty well, I’ve played a lot of cricket with Ben and grown up alongside him,” said Buttler, England’s former white-ball captain, to Sky Sports News today.

“His determination, desire and passion to lead the team forward, improve and take them to be the number one Test team in the world, which is where he’ll want to take them, will be stronger than ever after this tour.”

England were criticised for having just one warm-up ahead of the much-hyped series — an intrasquad match against the second-string England Lions on a slow, low pitch at Lilac Hill in Perth.

It was felt that did not prepare them for the bouncier tracks they faced as the Australia bowling attack — even without Josh Hazlewood for the entire series and Pat Cummins for four Tests, with Nathan Lyon missing three — prospered.

Buttler, though, said: “It’s not a blank canvas any more. Most touring sides have to prepare with in-house games or very shortened lead-ins to series in this day and age.

“Ultimately it’s about the results. If we’d have got the results the team craved, they’d have been praised for their preparation and planning. Unfortunately it didn’t go to plan so those things come under question but that’s part and parcel of being involved in top-level sport.”