Can't blame deck for collapses: Bayliss

England coach Trevor Bayliss says poor batting rather than overly spicy pitches was the reason for the abridged Ashes, in which no Test went five days.

Trevor Bayliss believes Australia should worry more about learning how to scrap at the crease and less about English pitches.

Outgoing captain Michael Clarke was critical of the decks used in what was the shortest five-Test Ashes series ever.

Clarke suggested fans were shortchanged after none of the contests reached a fifth day and two were close to being two-day Tests.

"I've got a feeling, from the conversations I've had with a lot of the groundsmen in this country, they're a little bit disappointed they haven't been able to do as they've wanted to do," Clarke said.

"I'd like to see them back themselves and go with that and not be persuaded by what's said in the media or what the commentators say."

Bayliss, who coached the likes of Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon at NSW and the Sydney Sixers, felt it was a cop out.

"The wicket didn't change out there in 10 minutes from one innings to the next and it certainly didn't change in an hour and a half at Trent Bridge either," Bayliss said.

"Every game we played, there was someone who scored runs on it and other guys made starts.

"It is different to what these guys are used to.

"The batters just have to learn to fight a little bit harder on these kind of wickets."

In terms of looking after those who bought tickets, Bayliss felt a pitch guaranteed to last five days wouldn't help.

"To watch batters belting the ball everywhere, to me that's not what Test cricket is about," Bayliss said.

"It's about a contest between bat and ball.

"For the fans, long term that is what everyone is looking for, they're looking for an even contest.

"The more players play on wickets with a little bit in them, the better they will get on those wickets."


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Source: AAP


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