England win but Bayliss aware batting issues must be resolved ahead of Ashes
ENGLAND wrapped up an emphatic Test series win over South Africa with another grandstand finish from Moeen Ali, but head coach Trevor Bayliss warned a 3-1 scoreline would not “paper over the cracks” in their batting.
Having finished the Proteas off at The Oval with a hat-trick, Moeen was at it again at Old Trafford, claiming 5-9, including two in successive balls at the close, to secure the fourth Test by 177 runs on day four.
In doing so he became the first player in Test history to take 25 wickets and score 250 runs in a four-Test series, no small feat for a player who has been billed by himself and others as a “batter who bowls a bit”.
A first home series victory over the Proteas in 19 years represents a strong effort for Joe Root’s maiden outing as England captain, but with just three months and three Tests against the West Indies to go before the start of the Ashes in Australia, there are tough questions to answer in the top five.
Keaton Jennings looks highly likely to be stood down after a torrid series, Tom Westley has left a strong impression but modest statistics at No 3 and Dawid Malan’s early efforts have been far from convincing.
“It’s always a good thing that you’re winning, but we’re not papering over the cracks,” said Bayliss.
“We know there are some spots which haven’t been cemented down and we’re still looking for those guys to prove their worth at this level.”
Asked if the make-up of the batting order was closer to being settled now than it was at the outset, the Australian offered: “To be honest, no.
“We’ve got a selection meeting later this week, but I’m not going to speculate who might or might not be in the team. Obviously there’s a few spots that will be discussed.”
Moeen’s position, needless to say, has never been stronger.
“Look, no doubt he’s our number one spinner,” said Bayliss, who had anointed Liam Dawson, since dropped, with the honour at Lord’s.