'There's no way': England coach's stunning call to ban Aussie players
Trevor Bayliss has expressed his bewilderment that England continues to invite Australian players to play County cricket ahead of Ashes series.
Aussie players often join County sides before an away Ashes series in order to prepare for the conditions they’ll face in England.
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Marnus Labuschagne, Peter Siddle and James Pattinson were among Australians who played County cricket during the Australian winter.
Labuschagne prepared for the Ashes by playing for Glamorgan, piling on the runs and continuing that form when he was called in to replace Steve Smith in the third Test.
Labuschagne then became one of Australia’s most reliable batsmen for the rest of the series.
Bayliss has now questioned why the English Cricket Board allows the practice to continue.
"I find it incredible that Marnus Labuschagne, Peter Siddle, Cameron Bancroft, James Pattinson and the like are invited over to play county cricket ahead of an Ashes series," the outgoing England coach told ESPN Cricinfo.
"There's no way Australia would allow England players to acclimatise in the Shield ahead of an Ashes series. And quite right, too. I think the ECB should have a look at that.”
Bayliss also said he believes there are too many County sides, which dilutes the quality of matches being played and doesn’t prepare players for Test cricket.
He also said England should take a leaf out of Australia’s book and introduce more knockout cricket at younger ages to prepare players for high-pressure situations.
"Australian cricketers are tough and robust. They come up through a system which prepared them for Test cricket,” he said.
“From age-group cricket into club and Grade cricket, they play semi-finals and finals. So they get used to playing knock-out cricket.
“They get used to playing under pressure. I think England could do with more of that.”
Bayliss open to Aussie job
Bayliss says he'd be willing to listen to any approaches to work with the Australian cricket team.
The former NSW mentor oversaw victory in his final match in charge of England at the Oval on Sunday to ensure a 2-2 series draw, and will return home following a successful four-and-half-year stint.
Bayliss laid the foundations for England's World Cup win earlier this year, in addition to series wins at home over India, Australia, South Africa during his spell in charge.
He has also led the Sydney Sixers to the Big Bash League title in 2010-11 and coached Sri Lanka during their run to the 2011 World Cup final. He will now take up a the head coaching role with IPL side Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The 56-year-old admitted the only role that would tempt him back into full-time international coaching is the Australian one, if it ever became available.
Bayliss said he would be open to any approach to help the national side, particularly in the white ball side of the game.
"I've said before there is only one job I would take on in a full-time job, but I think it is in pretty good hands," Bayliss said.
"Justin is doing a great job and there are some very good Australian coaches coming through the system.
"I've signed up to do the IPL but if there is anything anyone in Australia wants me to get involved in I am more than happy to listen to what they have in mind," Bayliss said.
"If I can help out, fantastic. But if not, I will enjoy watching the Australian and England boys going round again."
with AAP
