Ali hails Bayliss’s help with big wickets

THE Trevor Bayliss effect took hold on day two of the Ashes, as Australia’s NSW contingent fell into every trap set by their former coach.

England part-time spinner Moeen Ali was the unlikely star for the home side, with his removal of key men Steve Smith and Michael Clarke, leaving the Australians 5-264 and 166 runs in arrears at stumps.

Earlier in the day Ali showed what an asset he is batting at No. 8, smashing 77 off 88 to lift England’s total to an imposing 430.

Ali admits Bayliss has al- ready had a major influence on his bowling and also on the deliberate fields England set to the best batsman in the world, the Australian captain and David Warner.

The former NSW mentor has an intimate knowledge of the majority of Australia’s stars and England is already bearing the fruits of their inspired appointment.

“He [Bayliss] knows a lot of their guys quite well. He’s had an input,” said Ali.

“But input has come from everybody. Trevor’s more of a motivator — telling us to enjoy and play our best cricket.

“These guys are going to probably attack me more than India tried to last year. I’m developing a few things, trying to mix up my pace a bit more now. Trevor Bayliss is quite big on that and me bowling all my variations.”

It was beautiful change-ups from Ali that yielded the two big wickets.

Having been slaughtered by Smith for three boundaries in a previous over, Ali saw the Australian star coming at him and deliberately dipped the ball in down the leg side.

Smith had a brain explosion and played one of the ugliest shots you’ll see to hole out at mid-wicket.

For Clarke — one of the greatest players of spin in the world — Ali delivered his slowest ball of the day and got the job done, leaving Australia in trouble at 4-207.

“They’re two big wickets. I think it’s more in the context of the game, they’re two very good players,” said Ali.

“[Smith] kept using his feet to me and I almost went a little bit one-day mode, trying to bowl at his hip or fire it down the leg side.

“He got himself into a bit of a mess really, but I’m obviously happy to get him.’’

Ali was on the verge of being dropped this series in favour of the more dynamic leg-spinner Adil Rashid. But the former top order batsman is relishing the challenge of being the side’s top line spinner post Graeme Swann.