Jonny Bairstow 'headbutt' a distraction, admits Trevor Bayliss

England head coach Trevor Bayliss insists Jonny Bairstow's alleged headbutt on Australia batsman Cameron Bancroft has been "blown out of proportion" but admits the incident is an unwanted distraction midway through the ongoing Ashes series.

The incident, which occurred on a night out in Perth last month at the start of England's tour, came to light on Sunday during the first Test in Brisbane, which Australia comfortably won by 10 wickets.

Both camps have moved to play down the event, with Bairstow insisting there was "no intent, nor malice about anything during the evening" in Perth.

Bayliss has backed his wicket-keeper but admits the incident is yet another unwanted distraction just months after Ben Stokes' arrest in Bristol.

"We've just got to be smarter," said Bayliss. "Most people in the world like to go out at night and have a couple of quiet ones.

"We've got to be careful that you don't do anything stupid. We've got to be smarter. If that means not having anything to drink, well then so be it.

"Any team will take any opportunity to get stuck into the opposition and make them feel uncomfortable wherever possible.

"So if you put yourself in that position then you're fair game. I'm disappointed that some small incident has been blown up and put into the press. It is a distraction.

"I'm sure there will be further discussions between myself, management and the players."

When asked if he believed the incident would change the way England's players conducted themselves, Bayliss replied: "That is what I thought after Bristol. They would be extra dumb and stupid if it didn't."