LONDON: England coach Trevor Bayliss has warned his Ashes winners that some of their places are in jeopardy following the fifth Test thrashing by Australia.
After the high of regaining the Ashes in the fourth Test at Trent Bridge, Alastair Cook's side had hoped to celebrate by giving the Australians one last kicking, but instead they were crushed by an innings and 46 runs in four days at The Oval.
It was a downbeat end to a rollercoaster series for England, who at times looked a talented team on the rise and at others surrendered without a fight.
Amid the post-match jubilation after the presentation of the Ashes urn, Bayliss struck a note of warning as he made it clear that the selectors won't be shy of making changes ahead of forthcoming tours against Pakistan and then South Africa.
"We aren't going to paper over the cracks, we've got a few areas where we've got to be better and a few positions we need to be stronger in," Bayliss said.
"Those tours are going to be very difficult. To have sustained success you need good depth," added Bayliss, the first Australian to coach England.
"I'm not sure of the depth that is there. We have a lot of fast bowling depth, spinners and batters I'm not so sure about.
"It's a chance for players in country cricket to stand up."
England opener Adam Lyth has looked especially out of his depth, having scored just 115 runs in nine innings this Ashes at an average of 12.77.
Bayliss hinted the 27-year-old was unlikely to retain his place when England head to the United Arab Emirates for the Pakistan series.
"There is a selection meeting in a few weeks and I'm sure that will be one of the positions looked at," Bayliss said.
"We all wish him well going forward and I'm sure he will play again at some stage."
-AF
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