Stroke play: James Vince has the game to attack the Aussies if he survives the first hour. Insets: Mark Stoneman, top, and Craig Overton
PICTURES: Getty Images

England coach Trevor Bayliss may have been the one finally to end all speculation over Ben Stokes’ involvement in the upcoming Ashes, but it was Joe Root’s tacit if almost unnoticed acceptance they would have to do without him some days earlier that provoked more food for thought.
By the time Bayliss told reporters he “hadn’t got a clue” when Stokes might next be available following h...