Friday 29 July 2016 15:21, UK
Trevor Bayliss admits the expected loss of Ben Stokes for the third Test against Pakistan has left "a bit of a hole" in the England team.
Stokes, who missed the first Test after knee surgery in May, suffered a calf injury during England's series-levelling win at Old Trafford on Monday and is expected to be out for up to six weeks.
Fast bowlers Steven Finn and Jake Ball, along with leg-spinner Adil Rashid, are the likely candidates to fill the vacant spot, although Bayliss is confident Chris Woakes, who has enjoyed a profitable series, can help fill the all-rounder void for Alastair Cook's side.
"Stokes is a big player for us, he adds a lot of spark to the team. He bats, bowls and he's a leader in the field so it is a bit of a hole," said Bayliss.
"But someone like Chris Woakes has done brilliantly so far this season so we are lucky in that aspect."
Bayliss also urged patience with batsman James Vince, whose place is under threat after averaging only 18.57 in his five Tests.
"I don't see any reason to panic at the moment," Bayliss said. "But as I said after the last game, runs will count. It doesn't matter what you look like getting them... it gets down to how many runs and how many wickets.
"I'd like to see people given a little bit more of an extra go rather than one game. If there's someone else who warrants a place to replace a player like that... I'm sure it will be discussed."
England take on Pakistan in the third Test at Edgbaston starting on Wednesday, August 3, live on Sky Sports.
