LONDON, (Reuters) – The contribution of an unassuming Australian to England’s surprise Ashes victory has been overlooked amid the euphoria of a frenetic roller-coaster series.
Joe Root’s batting and inspired fast bowling by James Anderson, Steven Finn, Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes have taken the headlines but the role of coach Trevor Bayliss should not be under-estimated.
The 52-year-old took over just before the series against his countrymen after England drew 1-1 with New Zealand and immediately stamped his mark on a young team.
“Trevor Bayliss has been very good — he’s been very calm and only speaks when something needs to be said,” Broad told reporters after England’s heavy defeat in the final test at the Oval on Sunday.
