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Australian Bayliss will help Poms focus

Trent Copeland and Nathan Lyon, who have both been coached by Trevor Bayliss, say England's mentor would be keeping calm despite on-field and off-field woes.

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Source: AAP


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Battling to square an Ashes series that has prompted more analysis of headbutts and Britain's criminal justice process than batting or bowling, England coach Trevor Bayliss is unlikely to be happy.

Bayliss is a no-nonsense operator who loves cricket and helping get the best out of young players.

He was the first Australian to properly recognise Steve Smith's potential - asking him to captain Sydney Sixers and bat at first drop for NSW.

Earlier this week, the exasperated mentor struggled to hide his frustration at "dumb decisions" after the revelation Jonny Bairstow headbutted Cameron Bancroft in a bar.

Bayliss was hardly asked a question about the on-field action after England's 10-wicket loss. It would have burned.

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"He's a laid-back Aussie guy, very matter of fact and doesn't let too many things fluster him," Trent Copeland told AAP, having played under Bayliss at NSW and the Sixers.

"His coaching style is laid back but he also doesn't enjoy frivolous chat.

"TB would have been asked those questions (about Bairstow, Ben Stokes and curfews) and just thought 'seriously - we're here to play cricket'.

"TB would just want to get on with the cricket ... I can guarantee he will make sure that is the atmosphere in their change room."

Bayliss hails from the NSW town of Goulburn, shifted to Penrith to further his playing career and survived a terrorist attack in Pakistan while coaching Sri Lanka in 2009.

The 54-year-old's composure is one of his greatest strengths according to Copeland and Nathan Lyon, another former charge.

"He's one of my favourite coaches I have been fortunate enough to play under," Lyon said earlier this week.

"He's very calm, there's not much emotion flying around.

"He will know what to say to get the English back on track."

Bayliss isn't renowned for being a stern authoritarian but Copeland notes he can "come down on his players" and "have a tough conversation" when required.

"He's a guy that likes to give guys freedom. He gives you more than enough rope to be an adult, look after yourself and play good cricket," the former Test paceman said.

"If you take that for granted or don't do it, that's when he steps in."


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