Ashes: Former England coach says team lifts when Ben Stokes is around

Ben Stokes has the rare capacity to lift his teammates, and a former England coach says his Ashes presence could be series defining.

Ben Stokes will have a huge Ashes presence. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Former England coach Trevor Bayliss says his teammates would have certainly felt the loss if Ben Stokes didn’t come to Australia and his presence for the Ashes could be series defining.

Stokes was a late addition to the squad for the five-Test series and hasn’t played for nearly five months after taking time out from the game to prioritise his mental health. He also had a second round of surgery on a serious finger injury.

The 30-year-old also suffered a blow to an arm at training on Sunday and team officials have said they are taking a “steady” approach with the superstar all-rounder’s return to cricket.

Bayliss was in charge of England when they lost 4-0 to Australia in 2017-18, a series played without Stokes, and is well versed in what his absence means.

Having also seen Stokes help steer England to a one-day World Cup in 2019, Bayliss knows how profound his influence can be.

“He’s a massive bonus. It’s not just his batting, his bowling or his fielding,” said Bayliss, who is coaching the Sydney Thunder in the BBL this season.

“He’s one of those guys who is a leader within the group. He’s a very positive influence. There were times where he didn’t play because of injury in England and I think the team felt his loss when he wasn’t there.

Trevor Bayliss says Ben Stokes is a massive bonus for England. Picture: AFP Photo / Glyn Kirk

“Certainly when he plays, he’s able to drag a lot more of the players along with him. He’s got a great attitude, a never-say-die attitude. It’s hard to put the finger on exactly what it is, but I’m quite sure they’ll be happy to have him back.”

Bayliss said the interrupted preparations for both teams due to off-field issues plus the constant rain in Queensland, and the conditions it could present for the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, could make the series more even.

“There’s been a little bit of talk about the weather, it will be interesting to see if that makes a little difference. Does the ball move more? There might be more in the wicket,” he said.

“Both teams would be trying to do what they can through practice and making sure they‘ve got the workloads up to scratch with the number of balls or overs bowled in the build-up.

Stokes can drag players along with him. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“It might force the hand a little bit of bringing in replacement guys every Test or two.

“With what‘s going on in England at the moment too, there’s obviously a bit in the background there as well. I think both teams will be more than happy for the cricket to start and all of that can get pushed into the background and they can concentrate on their cricket.”