Jonny Bairstow says Ben Stokes absence is a huge blow but England can retain Ashes
Sky Sports' David Lloyd tells Australia 'Get your own house in order!' before criticising us.
Wednesday 8 November 2017 10:09, UK
England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow says Ben Stokes absence is a huge blow but they have a good chance of retaining the Ashes.
Stokes has not travelled to Australia as he waits to hear if he will be charged with causing actual bodily harm after a late-night fracas in Bristol.
Bairstow told Sky Sports News: "Naturally you're going to miss a player of Ben's ability and stature.
"When you have someone who bowls and bats and catches and fields in the way that he does it is a huge part of a side in any world cricket eleven.
"We're very fortunate to have guys that are around that have the capabilites of stepping up."
Sky Sports commentator David Lloyd says the circumstances could lead to 23-year old Somerset all-rounder Craig Overton making his England debut.
"Craig might have been thinking 'I'm just going out to carry some drinks' but it is a great opportunity for him," he said.
"England will want a long batting line-up in the first Test which puts Overton into the frame. They are shaping up OK."
Bairstow was part of the team that won the Ashes series in 2015 and believes they can win in Australia.
"I think we've got a good chance. We've got players with a mix of experience and excitement," he said.
"The experience that some players have got from winning and losing an Ashes series in Australia will stand them in good stead.
"It will be fine margins but if we do the basics well like batting, bowing and catching then you've done all you can, and if that's not good enough on the day then fair play but we're happy with the way our preparation has gone."
Lloyd also warned England's cricketers about listening to mind games from Australia's players.
"From Australia we've heard it all before," he said. "It's like a long broken record, saying you're the worst team that's ever arrived"
"I'd say to Australia 'Look in the mirror. Get your own house in order'!"
