England coach writes off Stokes’ Ashes chances

Perth, November 3
England coach Trevor Bayliss said he is preparing for life without Ben Stokes in the Ashes series, adding that any reprieve for the suspended all-rounder would be just a “bonus”.
As England for their opening tour match in Perth on Saturday, Stokes remains at home awaiting the outcome of a police probe into his involvement in a brawl outside a nightclub.
The England and Wales Cricket Board have not yet ruled the vice-captain out of the Ashes series, which starts with the first Test in Brisbane on November 23. But Bayliss said he has had to discount any chance of Stokes playing a role. “I have,” England’s Australian coach told reporters late Wednesday, when asked if he had “written off” Stokes. “If he turns up it’s an absolute bonus. And if he did happen to turn up, I’m quite sure he would slip back in very easily. It’s totally out of our hands. We have just got on with preparing as best we can.”
The Stokes controversy has rocked England’s preparations with former Australia Test captains Steve Waugh and Ian Chappell among those who believe England can’t retain the Ashes without him.
“The players have a very important, tough series coming up and they are totally focused on winning it,” Bayliss said. “They are concentrating on playing without him. We can’t worry about something we can’t control.” Despite England’s chances of retaining the Ashes urn weakening without Stokes, Bayliss said he Australia were still “beatable”.
Injury scare for Finn, Ali
Fast bowler Steven Finn and all-rounder Moeen Ali will have scans to decide their availability for England’s Ashes tour opener this week.
Finn injured his left knee while batting at training, while Ali is troubled by a side strain and played no part in Thursday’s session.
Both the players are to undergo precautionary scans tomorrow. England begin their tour with a two-day game against a West Australian XI from Saturday.