Feeling DOWN:

Ashes: Headbutt incident could result in drinking not being permitted on nights out

England’s Joe Root had good reason to be dejected on the final day of the first Ashes Test match at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Jonny Bairstow’s behaviour in a Perth bar has left coach Trevor Bayliss struggling to contain his exasperation at the “dumb decisions” England players continue to make.

England’s 10-wicket defeat in the first Test in Brisbane was completed yesterday but the post-match media briefings were dominated by Bairstow’s apparently playful ‘headbutt’ on Australia opener Cameron Bancroft on the opening night of the tour in Western Australia.

Bayliss agrees with the Yorkshire wicketkeeper-batsman in saying the matter has been “blown completely out of proportion” and Bancroft also bears no grudges.

Bayliss began the trip Down Under by insisting he would still treat his players like adults in the wake of all-rounder Ben Stokes’ arrest on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in a late-night fracas in Bristol over the summer, an incident which has made the Durham man unavailable for the tour.

Asked yesterday if he thought Stokes’ experiences might have prompted the players to be more careful, the Australian said: “That was what I thought after Bristol as well. They’d be extra dumb and stupid if it didn’t.

“That’s the disappointing thing – we make dumb decisions ... if you put yourself in that situation you are fair game.”

Bayliss believes nonetheless, like Bairstow, that the latest incident is being given more attention than it deserves.

“I think there was some contact, but obviously not a headbutt. There’s a big difference. (It’s) blown out of proportion ... (but it) gives the opposition ammunition to put pressure on as well.

“That night there was no curfew, and there was absolutely no malice in it. (But) we can’t put ourselves in these situations, however small they are.”

Joe Root’s team will be collectively reminded of their responsibilities by England and Wales Cricket Board director Andrew Strauss, and Bayliss has hinted players may yet be advised not to drink on nights out.

The matter came to light only when Australia were picked up on the Brisbane stump mic reminding Bairstow of his behaviour.

Australia captain Steve Smith believes there have already been repercussions on the pitch however, claiming it helped them dismiss Bairstow.

“I think it was basically about trying to get Jonny off his game ... and I think it worked, with the way he got out,” he said.

Bancroft said: “He connected with my head. With a force that would make me think: ‘Wow, that’s a bit weird.’ And that was it.”

Picture: PA.

Picture: Getty. England coach Trevor Bayliss says his players must stop putting themselves into difficult situations.