Trevor Bayliss: 'England need Ian Bell's experience'

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.