Bayliss: I’m ashamed to be an Aussie

TREVOR BAYLISS says the vitriolic reaction towards Australia’s shamed side is payback for years of on-field bullying.

The England coach, below, admitted the ball-tampering affair which has rocked cricket has made him “embarrassed to be Australian” and he believes it was the final act of a team out of control.

Australia’s back catalogue of boorish behaviour made them the most hated team in world cricket long before they were exposed as cheats during the third Test against South Africa.

Indeed, England were incensed at the vicious personal nature of the on-field sledging during this winter’s Ashes. What made matters worse was Australia’s compulsion to appoint themselves as the game’s moral guardians, constantly policing a “line” whose parameters only they knew.

Bayliss, who knows Steve Smith well having coached him at New South Wales, says it is no surprise there is little goodwill for the Australians.

“A lot of what they’re copping comes from the way they have played their game,” he said. “It’s almost like teams and people around the world have been waiting for them to stuff up so they can lay the boot in.

“I don’t think you can say when any culture has changed. It’s one of those things that builds over time and unfortunately on this occasion it’s gone too far. I’m disappointed and as an Australian I’m embarrassed.”

Bayliss also believes the scandal risks tarnishing the integrity of the entire sport.

“It’s not just Australian cricket that’s being thought of in a negative way, it’s the game as a whole,” he said. “Players and teams around the world have to take a step back and think about the way they go about things and make sure the game continues into the future and is held in the best possible light by everyone.”

Bayliss, meanwhile, hinted England will make changes for Friday’s final Test against New Zealand here after their hammering in the first Test, as they try to end a 12-match winless run away from home.

“Having lost so many games overseas, we’ve given a lot of guys an opportunity who haven’t grabbed hold of it,” he said. “At some stage we have to look at who is next. That will be discussed.”

Both spinner Jack Leach and fast bowler Mark Wood could play with Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes likely to make way.

However, Ben Stokes hopes to be fit after a back problem. Bayliss said: “He didn’t seem too concerned.”