Stokes named in Ashes squad but Bayliss not impressed with player conduct
● England coach brands late-night celebrations ‘very unprofessional’
being out was very unprofessional in the middle of a series.”
Bayliss and England and Wales Cricket Board director Andrew Strauss have a preference for trusting players to behave as befits their high profile. But the Australian added: “A lot of the responsibility comes back on to the players. They are adults, and they have to take responsibility.”
England are to hold their own investigations into the events of Sunday night and Monday morning and, as part of those, several players will be quizzed with the possibility of disciplinary action.
“I’m sure there will be some investigations,” said Bayliss. “But at the moment, I’m quite happy for [Ben] to be the vice-captain.”
Strauss has confirmed
0 Ben Stokes remains as England’s vice-captain despite his arrest on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and suffering a broken finger. Stokes’ injury is unlikely to prevent him leaving on schedule for the Ashes with the rest of Joe Root’s squad on 28 October.
“Ben did have an X-ray yesterday,” he said.
“Early results are that he has got a minor fracture on his right hand. There are obviously more tests that need to be done, but the early indications are that he should be fit to play a full part in all the Ashes Test matches.”
As for other factors, including the possibility of court proceedings, Strauss admits England must simply await developments in the police investigation.
Stokes was released without charge on Monday, but remains under investigation.
“All we can do is deal with what we know and what we are in control of,” said Strauss
“We have no idea how things will pan out, and it would be wrong for us to second-guess that in any way.
“There is a disciplinary protocol in place as part of [the players’] condition of employment – we need to follow that. They may be subject to disciplinary proceedings, including Ben. As it currently stands, he is vice-captain pending any disciplinary action.”
England may update their player-management policy, but if so apparently with a heavy heart.
Strauss added: “It is my view, and I think one shared by Trevor, that the right way to operate a team environment is by treating people like adults and giving people personal responsibility off the pitch.
“When these things happen it is always a moment to step back and look at whether we are doing these things right, and obviously we will be looking at that over the coming days. It is important players understand and recognise their responsibilities as international cricketers and what potential damage can be done to both the England team and the sport if we are not seen to be good role models for the game.”
National selector James Whitaker has explained, meanwhile, the reasons for the returns of Vince and his fellow batsman Gary Ballance – as well as the inclusions of uncapped trio Ben Foakes, Mason Crane and Craig Overton.
Of Vince, Whitaker said: “He’s the best option, and we’ve got every confidence his game will suit Australian conditions. He’s shown glimpses over the last few months of really good form, but he’ll admit he’s got unfinished business at Test level ... he’s very keen to put his Test record right. He has a lot of hard work to do, as everyone has.”
As for Ballance, he added: “We all know Gary’s record, which is brilliant at domestic cricket and at the start of his international career.
“He’s aware of vulnerabilities – like everyone else, no one’s perfect, no one has a perfect technique, but we believe Gary’s got a toughness of character that can thrive in those conditions and support the captain.”
Somerset seamer Overton was picked after Mark Wood failed to convince England he is yet over his heel injury, but the Durham fast bowler is expected to be picked in a Lions squad – also bound for Australia – next week.
Hales will be available for selection again in tomorrow’s final one-day international against West Indies in Southampton.