Bayliss backs Jos Buttler for Indian Premier League

England head coach Trevor Bayliss has given his blessing for Jos Buttler to play in the Indian Premier League this year if the wicketkeeper-batsman fails to regain his place in the Test side.

Buttler was dropped following the second Test against Pakistan in October and Jonny Bairstow has grasped his opportunity after taking over wicketkeeping duties.

While Bairstow was scoring his maiden Test century in the drawn second Test against South Africa on Sunday, Buttler was left kicking his heels at Newlands.

Buttler would appear unlikely to regain his place in the Test side in the near future barring an injury to Bairstow.

And Bayliss would not be averse to seeing the big-hitting 25-year-old showcase his talents in the IPL - which gets underway in April - rather than play county cricket with Lancashire.

"If the opportunity arises and Buttler is not in the Test team and that IPL window is a possibility, I'd be all for it," said Bayliss.

"It's something we've spoken about. Personally I'd think it would be something similar along the lines of Adil Rashid [who is currently playing for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League].

"If Jos is in the Test team he'll be playing Test cricket for England. He definitely wants to play more Test cricket for England, which is great. But obviously Jonny's there at the moment."