Trevor Bayliss has said that Ian Bell's experience is crucial to the England side after the batsman came under criticism from some quarters.

Geoffrey Boycott has called the 33-year-old's form into question following England's 2-0 series defeat to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

However, Bayliss has suggested that Bell will be involved in the forthcoming tour in South Africa.

"Ian has obviously got a lot of experience which the team needs at this stage," Bayliss told BBC Sport.

"He wants to keep playing which is fantastic."

Bell was England's third-highest run-scorer against Pakistan, scoring 158 runs at an average of 31.60.

Written by
Kristian Johnson