The Ashes: Selector Fraser keen for England players to stay focussed

LONG ROAD BACK: Ben Stokes is surrounded by media as he arrives in Christchurch. Picture: AP/Mark Baker

The Ashes series in Australia has been overshadowed by the continued absence of key all-rounder Stokes and the headbutt row involving Bairstow. Stokes remains suspended while the Crown Prosecution Service decide whether to charge him over an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September.

But his sudden trip to New Zealand, where he is set to play for regional side Canterbury on Sunday, has raised the prospect of a dramatic return to the squad.

Bairstow, meanwhile, came under the spotlight for his so-called headbutt greeting to Australia batsman Cameron Bancroft last month.

But former England bowler Fraser said: “It’s not ideal, but it’s a just bit of white noise going on around them.

“You look at the Jonny Bairstow thing and I’m sure he regrets greeting someone in such a manner. But I think the Aussies have done a job on us to be honest. As for Stokes, we are aware there maybe things taking place over the next week or so, but equally there are a lot of hurdles to overcome.

“The squad there is the squad you expect to finish the tour. It’s a point of debate, it creates news, but the squad of players are who have to try to win games of cricket.

“If something changes then you react. But I don’t think anyone is looking over their shoulder for a plane to come in to land.”

England's Jonny Bairstow plays football during a nets session at the Adelaide Oval ahead of Saturday's second Test match against Australia. Picture: Jason O'Brien/PA

England head to Adelaide on Saturday for the day-night Test trailing 1-0 in the series following the 10-wicket defeat at The Gabba.

But Middlesex bowler Toby Roland-Jones, who was ruled out of the tour through injury, has backed Joe Root’s side to come back strongly.

Roland-Jones was speaking alongside Fraser as Middlesex launched ‘Little Lords’ at KidZania, Westfield Shepherd’s Bush.

He said: “It’s been competitive so far. A lot of the guys performed nicely in the first Test but some will wish they had pushed on a bit more, especially with the bat.

“Fingers crossed the big scores come in the second Test.

“The first game showed two well-matched sides with more in the tank to come.

“I think England will be arguably more prepared for what’s to come and the day-night will provide a surface to put the Aussies under pressure and hopefully come out on top.”