Head coach Trevor Bayliss says he would “be surprised” if Cumbrian all-rounder Ben Stokes is not fit for England’s fourth One-Day International against the West Indies.

Stokes, from Cockermouth, rolled his ankle in fielding practice on the eve of Monday’s match and was replaced in the team by Alex Hales despite being available to play as a specialist batsman.

As it was, Stokes missed nothing, with the coin toss between Jason Holder and Eoin Morgan the only action fans witnessed on a damp day in St George’s.

Stokes, 27, is reluctant to miss any cricket on fitness grounds and regularly puts himself through a punishing physical workload, but Bayliss saw enough to realise rest was the order of the day.

“He could have batted and fielded but he said he could feel his ankle a little bit warming up to bowl,” said Bayliss. “He was probably not as confident as I’ve seen him before when we asked him if he was right to play.

“Straight away, it was an easy decision and a learning process for him about how he can look after his body a little better.

"We took a conservative approach and decided not to chance making it worse. But I’d be surprised if he’s not right for today’s game.”

Bayliss revealed he was keen to get game time for those outside his first choice XI, ahead of today’s match at the National Cricket Stadium (1.30pm start) and a home World Cup.

Rather than commit to a settled team in the run-up to the World Cup, in England which starts in May, Bayliss appears to favour a rotation policy.

“One of the things we wanted to do on this tour is not only win but, if we could, give everyone a run,” he said. “I think the team that wins the World Cup will probably have the strongest squad.

"I don’t think you’ll get through almost a dozen games to win a World Cup with the same team. Your back-up strength will have to be up to speed.”