Ashes places up for grabs, according to Bayliss

England coach Trevor Bayliss has revealed Ashes places are still up for grabs with a new generation of top-order batsmen yet to nail down their places.

Mark Stoneman, Tom Westley and Dawid Malan played their part in the series victory over the West Indies, which was clinched by a ninewicket win inside three days at Lord’s on Saturday, but questions remain over their readiness to face Australia in their own backyard.

However, Bayliss has indicated they remain in pole position, although the likes of Alex Hales, Keaton Jennings, Haseeb Hameed and Gary Ballance should not give up hope just yet.

He said: “That’s the big question, whether the three guys we have been speaking about all summer have done enough.

“They have shown they are good enough. But are they good enough for long enough? Are they tough enough, especially for an Ashes series?

“We will be discussing other players we have had in the team over the last 12-18 months. They will get a hearing, but it will be hard to go past these three guys.”

Asked if the batting line-up for the Ashes tour had been decided, Bayliss replied: “Not 100%, but I am sure when we sit down in a week or two to discuss that squad, we will be talking about batters that have played for us in the last 12 to 18 months.

“There are another two or three county matches to play, and that will be a factor too.

“I think our opposition in the Ashes is far from stable either.”

James Anderson delivered a swing bowling masterclass to steer England towards victory in the decider.

He recorded career-best figures of seven for 42, including his 500th Test scalp, as the Windies were 177 all out.

That set a target of 107 and Mark Stoneman and Tom Westley put together an unbroken stand of 72 after Alastair Cook was dismissed for 17.

Trevor Bayliss said the batting line-up is not 100% decided.