Before the India series began, Ben Stokes had high expectations for Jonny Bairstow.
Jonny Bairstow is expected to find his form again in the current five-game Test series against India, according to England head coach Brendon McCullum. India took a 2-1 lead after the wicketkeeper-battler made 0 and 4 in the third Test in Rajkot, which England lost by 434 runs.
Ben Stokes, on the other hand, had high expectations for Bairstow going into the India series. The England captain believed that if Bairstow stayed in the batter’s role and Ben Foakes took up the gloves, he could end his difficult patch.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Stokes stated, “We saw what we managed to get out of him, and I don’t want him to worry about anything other than batting at five, getting runs, and what’s in front of him in the here and now.”
Before the fourth Test in Ranchi begins on Friday, McCullum made it quite certain that Bairstow will retain his place in the starting XI for what would be his 99th Test cap.
“As I haven’t even seen the wicket, you know I can’t respond to that. However, I would think Jonny would be playing, certainly,” McCullum responded when questioned regarding Bairstow’s role.
“Well, he hasn’t scored as many runs as he would have liked to, and he has been out a few times fairly softly for someone with Jonny’s kind of power game.” I’m not worried about him. He’s done so much for us and had such an amazing career; I’m not blind. We are aware that a Jonny Bairstow of the highest caliber is unmatched in any circumstance. Thus, in our opinion, we must continue to give him confidence, help him tune out most outside noise, and keep him totally present and concentrated on his goals. I have no doubt that Jonny will succeed,” he continued.
