During the first Ashes Test, Australia reminded Jonny Bairstow of a head-butting incident between England’s wicketkeeper and Cameron Bancroft during a pre-series gathering, which sparked a mini media frenzy. On day one of the second Test, Umpire Aleem Dar had to stand between Steve Smith and James Anderson to prevent a verbal exchange escalating.

[caption id=”attachment_57953″ align=”alignnone” width=”800″] Aleem Dar had to let his presence be known when Smith and Anderson exchanged words[/caption]

An Ashes series is never solely about the cricket, but the England coach, who previously had spells of New South Wales and Sydney Sixers, denies he was involved in any schemes to sledge Australia players. “Personally, from my point of view, I’m probably not [comfortable with the sledging],” Bayliss said. “And it’s certainly not something I’m involved in planning.

“But it’s just the way the game is these days. I’d like to see the stump microphones turned down. I don’t think they are necessarily a great thing for young kids watching at home. I don’t think anyone has to listen to what is being said. But it’s grown men playing a very competitive sport and sometimes those emotions boil over.

“It’s just red blooded young males competing against each other. Most of the time it’s fairly light hearted. Sometimes there’s a lot more made of it in the press than what happens in the field.”