The new England coach, Trevor Bayliss, believes the recent one-day international series victory over New Zealand bodes well for their chances in this summer’s Ashes.
Bayliss is due to start work in his new post on Thursday ahead of the five-match series, which begins in Cardiff on 8 July. A 14-man England squad will fly to Spain on Saturday for a four-day training camp fresh from the 3-2 victory over New Zealand in the one-day series, which was followed up by a crushing 56-run win in Tuesday’s Twenty20 match.
“England have got some new young players in there with plenty of skill and plenty of enthusiasm,” Bayliss told Sky Sports News.
“It sounds like they’re in a good place and they’re enjoying themselves out in the field and that’s the main thing.”
Asked what he hopes to accomplish in the short period of time before the Ashes begins, Bayliss added: “To get to know the players, number one. Apart from that, a little bit of planning for the Ashes. I’m confident of putting up a good show and if they play some good cricket, there will be a chance of winning.”
Bayliss, who worked with England assistant Paul Farbrace while in charge of Sri Lanka, was also asked about the possibility of an England return for Kevin Pietersen.
“Apparently he’s unavailable for selection so that’s all I know at this stage,” he said. Asked if he would you like to have him, Bayliss added: “Well he is a good batter but at this stage he’s unavailable so that’s all I know.”
