Mentor on chopping block in Ashes
THE heat is on coach Trevor Bayliss as he attempts to improve England’s batting, bowling and behaviour this summer.
Bayliss is one of the best cricket brains in the business. The Australian was hired on the eve of the 2015 Ashes and helped the hosts to reclaim the urn.
But pressure is starting to build on Bayliss and it’s unlikely to ease if Steve Smith’s side take an unassailable 3-0 lead in this series with a win in the third Test at the WACA.
Much of the criticism and scrutiny has centred on a series of alcohol-fuelled incidents. Bayliss has put his charges on notice that careers are at stake if anybody misbehaves - but some pundits wonder why he hadn’t taken control of the situation earlier.
“No doubt he’d be hurting,” former Test opener Simon Katich said, having played under Bayliss for NSW.
“He knows his head is on the chopping block if they lose 5-0, given all this stuff that has unfolded under his watch.
“Wherever he’s been, he has had success. He’s given them (England players) that freedom to make their own decisions which is one of his trademarks. He’s very relaxed enjoys guys having fun.
“But there comes a time when you overstep the mark and you can’t keep doing it.”