‘India victory on par with Ashes win’

SOUTHAMPTON: The victory against world No 1 India in the ongoing five-test series is on par with beating Australia in the Ashes, said England coach Trevor Bayliss, who suggested they might experiment in the final match starting on Friday.

“It is right up there with beating Australia in the Ashes. Obviously India are a very good team, the No 1 team, and to knock them off is a very good feeling,” said Bayliss after England sealed the series in the fourth Test.

“There were some difficult conditions especially on day one. We have said before, under a bit of pressure these guys have got a bit of character which is a good sign going forward.”

With opener Alastair Cook announcing his retirement after this series, and skipper Joe Root eagar to bat at No 4, England will have to figure out their top-order in the final Test as well as in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka and West Indies.

Moeen Ali was promoted to the No 3 in the second innings of the fourth Test, paving the way for Root to bat at four and Bayliss said the off-spinner might be an option in that position in the right condition.

KHANNA ALLOWED TO TRAVEL FOR ASIA CUP

NEW DELHI: In a shift from their much-publicised stance, the Committee of Administrators (COA) has sanctioned a 10-day trip of acting president CK Khanna for the Asia Cup.