Buttler, Stokes may play as specialist batsmen: Bayliss

Bayliss has suggested that both Buttler, England's white-ball wicketkeeper, and all-rounder Stokes - working his way back to full fitness following knee surgery - are in the frame for the Lord's Test against Pakistan, which starts on July 14.

Jos Buttler in Test action for England.

Either Jos Buttler or Ben Stokes could feature as a specialist batsman in England's first Test with Pakistan, while in-form limited-overs opener Jason Roy is also in contention for a call-up, according to Trevor Bayliss.

England coach Bayliss had previously named the likes of Scott Borthwick and Tom Westley among those who could come into his five-day team at the expense of Nick Compton, who has taken a break from the game following a woeful series against Sri Lanka that appeared certain to result in him being dropped anyway.

Bayliss has now suggested both Buttler, England's white-ball wicketkeeper who has lost the Test gloves to Jonny Bairstow, and all-rounder Stokes - working his way back to full fitness following knee surgery - are in the frame for the Lord's Test against Pakistan, which starts on July 14.

After scoring two centuries in the one-day international series against Sri Lanka, Surrey batsman Roy was also mentioned as a potential candidate.

"We've spoken before about some of these young guys that are in contention as well, but Buttler, Roy, even Stokes is coming back playing as a batter - a guy that made 250 only four Tests ago - they have all got to be in contention as well," said Bayliss.

"It will be an interesting selection meeting on Thursday."

Bayliss backed Buttler, who has 15 caps in the longest format, to "play a lot more Test cricket", before adding of Stokes: "From my point of view he's in contention for a batting spot if he's fit and he might, depending how he's gone in the nets, be able to bowl some short spells. He has to be discussed."

While Borthwick - the initial favourite to take Compton's place - would likely slot in at number three, the position he bats in at county level, if selected, a reshuffle would be needed should Stokes or Buttler get the nod.

Joe Root was backed by Bayliss to move up the order in time, while James Vince, who batted at five in his maiden Tests against Sri Lanka, could also be promoted against Pakistan.

"Long term, I think [Joe] Root is our number three," added the Australian. "Rooty would have to want to do it - it's a big change and he's done well at number four.

"My way of thinking is you put your best batter at number three, but from what I've seen of Vince, I think he could handle number three also."