England Coach Trevor Bayliss Wants Ben Stokes to Avoid Ban

Trevor Bayliss, England’s head coach, is hopeful that Ben Stokes’ “exemplary” conduct since an altercation at  Bristol last year can help the all-rounder avoid a ban ahead of the side’s tour of the Windies.

Meanwhile, Alex Hales and Stokes will face a hearing early next month after ECB charged the pair. Bayliss wanted Stokes to be available for England’s next game. He also noted that the trial hadn’t affected him.

“I hope he (Stokes) is available for our next game. I think he’s learnt a lesson since that time. The way he’s conducted himself since he’s come back into the fold has been exemplary,” Bayliss told reporters. “The hearing coming up hasn’t affected him, I haven’t heard it mentioned once around the changing room,” he added.

The pair could face any of a range of penalties from a warning to the termination of their contracts. Stokes, who was cleared of affray in August, played an important role with bat and ball as England completed their first 3-0 test series sweep in Sri Lanka on Monday. He is also likely to play a pivotal role in England’s next assignment.

England takes on Windies in three tests, five one-day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals from January. Bayliss shared high praise for the all-rounder saying he is the first choice for him.

“You can throw the ball to him, you can put him in any situation with the bat, you can put him where the ball is coming in the field. For me, he’s the first picked,” Bayliss added.