England give up the booze

Andrew Strauss before they left for Australia.

The guidelines include an agreement to abstain from alcohol three days before any match, a zero-tolerance policy on late -night drinking during free time and the acceptance that they must tell the squad’s security staff where they are on evenings away from the team hotel.

Coach Trevor Bayliss and the team management decided to allow Root and his players to police themselves rather than impose curfews. Bayliss now hopes questions about the team’s off-field conduct can be put to bed.

“The players have sat down, had a bit of a chat and come up with a few small rules and regulations, and a belief or agreement among themselves that they will be doing the right thing and looking after themselves,” said Bayliss.

“There will be times when they are able to go out and have a few beers. It was just making sure in the two or three days before a game we are back in good time, not out late. That should just be the norm anyway.

“It’s a long tour, you can’t be cooped up in a hotel room for four months. It’s a case of being sensible and professional.

“Whatever rules and regs you have there’s

been a bit of a wake-up call. We would have preferred it not to be such a big wake-up call.”

In the probable absence of Stokes, Bayliss has confirmed the all-rounder’s place will be taken by a bowler – either Steven Finn, Craig Overton or Ball.

It will mean Bairstow and Moeen Ali being shunted up the order one place to six and seven respectively.

Bayliss said: “Personally, I think we have to play a bowler in his place which makes our batting not quite as long but when you have Chris Woakes at No 8, that’s probably the combination I’ve been after for a while.

“Moeen Ali batting as low as eight for the last couple of years, I think that’s a waste. We have had problems at the top of the order so having Mo at eight and Woakes nine suited us. It’s been successful, so no problems there.

“Eventually Bairstow and Ali at six and seven and Woakes at eight is a combination England will end up with.”

Bayliss is in the unique position of being the first Ashes coach to be plotting the downfall of his native country in an away series.

He said: “It’s no different from being in England doing it. You want your team to win. I’m with England now so I want them to win. When my tenure ends I’m sure I’ll be back on Australia’s side!”