England coach Bayliss ‘disappointed and embarrassed’ by Australian cheats

England coach Trevor Bayliss admitted he is embarrassed to be Australian following the ball-tampering scandal that has rocked his homeland.

Bayliss was coach of New South Wales, where he was in charge of deposed Australia captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner, before he took the England job three years ago.

Speaking after England’s defeat in the first Test against New Zealand Auckland, he said: “Obviously I’m disappointed and as an Australian I’m embarrassed. Steve is a lovely young bloke who has made a terrible mistake and I’m sure Cricket Australia will work out the course of action required.

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“It’s nothing to do with us but it will be interesting to see what they come up with. They obviously will be punished but I’ve no idea how severe.”

Asked if he thought Australia tampered with the ball during the Ashes, Bayliss said: “I thought we were outplayed by a much better team. I’ve got no complaints.”

England, meanwhile, have some soul searching to do ahead of Friday’s final Test against New Zealand following their defeat by an innings and 49 runs in Auckland. Changes will certainly be made and Moeen Ali looks certain to be dropped after a terrible winter.

After a stunning English summer in 2017, Moheen had a disastrous Ashes series in Australia, averaging 115 with the ball and 19.88 with the bat.

Moeen’s contribution in the first Test against New Zealand was 17 wicketless overs and 28 runs with the bat.

Chris Woakes is also under threat, the Warwickshire bowler having consistently released the pressure on opposing batsmen after tight spells from James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

Woakes has taken just 10 wickets in Tests this winter at the cost of more than 600 runs, yet he may get another chance in Christchurch because of his all-round abilities.

Mark Wood is certain to come in for Craig Overton. The Durham fast bowler has been plagued by injury over the past two years but England are now confident he can get through a Test match.

Wood will at least offer a point of difference in Christchurch for an England attack that has been one-dimensional all winter.

Another bowler who may get a chance is Jack Leach, the Somerset spinner who has dominated county cricket for the past two years, taking 116 County Championship wickets.