Bayliss turns his attention to replacing opener Cook

Trevor Bayliss has refused to give incumbent opener Keaton Jennings any assurances as England rack their brains for the right top order following Alastair Cook’s retirement.

Bayliss, set to fly to his native Australia today, will join a selection meeting by conference call before England announce who is in the frame to open the batting at Galle when the first Test against Sri Lanka gets under way on 6 November.

Bayliss admitted there is much to ponder in the aftermath of England’s 4-1 Specsavers series victory over world number ones India.

The equation so far includes no seat on the plane yet reserved for Jennings, and acknowledgement that uncapped pair Rory Burns and Joe Denly will get a “fair hearing” – alongside James Vince.

While England were beating India at The Oval, Vince made a duck in each innings of Hampshire’s two-day victory at home to Somerset – a rare failure in an otherwise productive summer.

The stylish 27-year-old has nonetheless acquired an unwanted reputation with some as a batsman who often flatters to deceive.

“Averaging 40 in county cricket is not good enough,” added Bayliss. “You have got to average 50 or 60 – and take out this last game, he was close to that and made some big hundreds. So he has done what we asked of him – whether he makes the cut or not we will find out in a week.”

Jennings, it seems, is in the same boat.

Asked about the lefthander’s status, Bayliss said: “We have a meeting in a week’s time and I am sure it will be discussed.

“I’m sure he will be a bit nervous about which way it will go. His history – he scored runs in India on spinning wickets – I’m sure that will be in his favour.

“He is a big boy and knows runs on the board count as well. All those points will have to be discussed, and I can’t say at this stage whether he will go or not.”