The Ashes: Lyth remains in squad, three in frame to replace Anderson

England are on course to lose the next battle at Trent Bridge, going by their form in their last seven Test this summer matches, as they have alternated between winning and losing.

“We are playing very well at the moment but the challenge is to play like that two games in a row,” said Bayliss.

“It is good they can put Lord’s behind them and put it down to a bad performance. They were disappointed and a little embarrassed in the way they played.

“To move forward you have to be honest with yourself and admit your mistakes and they certainly were after that game at Lord’s. They showed in this match what they are capable of.

“We have a few extra days off now,” Bayliss added. “You get halfway through a series like this and there are always a few little niggles with batters and bowlers, so it will be good to give those an extra couple of days’ rest.”

One way of trying to stay consistent is by sticking to the same team. Although it is unavoidable to replace injured Anderson, Bayliss has seemingly decided to keep Adam Lyth in his XI, despite the Yorkshire opener managing just 72 runs in his six innings this series so far.

Whatever the reason, no one will mind if he takes this last chance opportunity and England win, and thus reclaim the Ashes (8/11 odds-on favourites to do so).

England’s Ashes 4th Test squad:
Alastair Cook (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Mark Footitt, Adam Lyth, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood.