'England's pace attack is as good as any around'
Monday 18 January 2016 09:55, UK
Trevor Bayliss' desire for carefree and aggressive cricket has been a catalyst for England's success, says Bob Willis.
Bayliss has overseen an Ashes victory and a first Test series triumph for England in South Africa in 11 years since succeeding Peter Moores as coach in the summer of 2015.
Willis has been impressed by the Australian's management of his attack-minded players and feels his youthful side could be on the cusp of something "special".
Bayliss allows the players to express themselves and won't dump them on the scrapheap if they get out playing a risky shot.
"Bayliss is a pretty calm customer and it looks like a brilliant appointment by Andrew Strauss," Willis told The Verdict after England wrapped up victory over South Africa with a Test to play.
"England's young players will make mistakes because they are two or three years away from where Bayliss wants them to be.
"But he allows the players to express themselves and won't dump them on the scrapheap if they get out playing a risky shot.
"The thought was that he got the nod over Jason Gillespie because England's one-day cricket was such an embarrassment and he had success in all forms of one-day cricket, but he has now done well in Test cricket.
"He encourages attractive cricket, something guys like Ben Stokes are going to wave the flag for, and, apart from James Anderson and possibly Nick Compton, this set of lads could be together for a four-year period.
"Time is on their side... another 30 Tests under their belt and they could be very special indeed."
Reflecting on England's win over South Africa and assessing where they need to improve in future, Willis added: "It is an excellent achievement, as in no sport is home advantage more key than in cricket.
"England can match any seam bowling attack in the world at the moment and I think they can even beat Australia away from home in 2017.
"But their problems will come with spin away from home, particularly in India next winter, in terms of who's going to play it and who's going to bowl it?
"There are a couple of promising leg spinners, such as Hampshire's Mason Crane, but you'd think they are one quality spinner light at the moment."
Watch the fourth Test between South Africa and England from 8am, Friday, Sky Sports 2.
