In the form of Ben Stokes, England hope they’ve uncovered their next Andrew Flintoff.

England’s Ashes hopes are doomed unless Stokes and Matt Prior can pull a rabbit out of the hat on the final day of the third Test against Australia at the WACA.

The tourists will resume at 5-251 chasing 504 for victory, with Stokes on 72 and Prior on 7.

Stokes, playing just his second Test match, was forced to bowl 18 overs in Australia’s second innings after front line paceman Stuart Broad was cut down by a foot injury.

The 22-year-old claimed 2-82, before showing composure and maturity beyond his years with the bat to frustrate Australia’s push for victory.

Flintoff, who averaged 31.8 with the bat and 32.8 with the ball during his sparkling 79-Test career, was one of England’s greatest ever allrounders.

Stokes has already drawn comparisons with Flintoff, and England batsman Ian Bell said the early signs were good.

“I think he’s got a fantastic future ahead of him,” Bell said.

“The way he’s shown he can play quick bowling and the way he hits down the ground (is great).

“His character with the ball as well – running in like he did all day yesterday – is a good sign for us.

“He bowls good pace and he showed today what he can do with the bat.

“He’s a really good find.”

Australian allrounder Shane Watson was also impressed with what he saw.

“He’s a very exciting prospect for England. He’s a really exciting allrounder,” Watson said.

“He’s only really going to get better.”

Broad was cleared of a fractured foot but was still limping noticeably on Monday.

The 27-year-old will bat if required on Tuesday, but he faces a race against time to be fit for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.