Bayliss anxious even after series win over South Africa

Manchester, August 8: England coach Trevor Bayliss said a 3-1 Test series win over South Africa will not "paper over the cracks" in his side's fragile top order.

"It's always a good thing that you're winning but we're not papering over the cracks," said Bayliss.

"We know there are some spots which haven't been cemented down and we're still looking for those guys to prove their worth at this level," the Australian said.

Asked if England were now any clearer about the composition of their top order than they had been at the start of the South Africa series, Bayliss replied: "To be honest, no. We've got a selection meeting later this week but I'm not going to speculate who might or might not be in the team. Obviously, there's a few spots that will be discussed."

Root, who along with Cook is the only player in the England top five assured of their place, was left to reflect on a first series as skipper which included a huge 340-run defeat in the second Test at Trent Bridge.

"It's been very enjoyable the majority of the time," he said. "There was a week that wasn't quite as much fun as the other three, but that is all part and parcel of being a captain," he said. "I learnt a lot throughout. It's the start of something."