England coach Trevor Bayliss said he is preparing for life without Ben Stokes in the Ashes series, adding that any reprieve for the suspended all-rounder would be just a "bonus". As England get ready for their opening tour match in Perth on Saturday, Stokes remains at home awaiting the outcome of a police probe into his involvement in a brawl outside a nightclub. The England and Wales Cricket Board have not yet ruled the vice-captain out of the Ashes series, which starts with the first Test in Brisbane on November 23. But Bayliss said he has had to discount any chance of Stokes playing a role. "I have," England's Australian coach told reporters late Wednesday, when asked if he had "written off" Stokes.

This file photo taken on September 8, 2017 shows England's Ben Stokes appealing unsuccessfully for the wicket of West Indies' Shai Hope during the second day of the third international Test match between England and West Indies at Lords cricket ground in London. England coach Trevor Bayliss said late November 1, 2017 he has written off any chance of suspended star all-rounder Ben Stokes taking part in the Ashes series in Australia. Pic/AFP