Ton-up Bairstow takes chance at top of order
TON-UP Jonny Bairstow revelled in his new role as opener and guided England to an easy eight-wicket win at Old Trafford last night.
The Windies’ 204-9 in a rainreduced 42-over match never looked likely to be enough.
And so it proved, with Bairstow’s unbeaten 100, including a 125-run partnership with Joe Root (54), making the result a formality.
It was his first one-day century in his 28th game and must have earned the Yorkshireman a run at the top of order instead of Jason Roy.
He scored at better than a run a ball, although he had to get a move on at the end when Ben Stokes came in and cracked 23 off just 10 balls including two massive sixes.
Concerns
But there was no denying Bairstow’s starring role and the only thing that might see him miss out could be concerns about over-burdening a man who has emerged as a key member of the Test side.
Root said: “Jonny was outstanding, it was nice to be out there and contribute with him.
“He’s had to wait for his opportunity because we are so strong in our batting in ODI cricket, which is exciting.
“But it shows the level of his ability to come in and take his chance after such a long time waiting.
“He’s been fantastic in red ball cricket and it’s great to see him come and do this.
“He’s got a big smile on his face and I’m sure we will hear about these runs for a long time.”
Defeat means the Windies will now have to pre-qualify for the 2019 World Cup in England.
They will take on sides like Ireland, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and other associate nations in a qualifying tournament next September with the top two going through.
And on last night’s showing they won’t be a shoo-in. The start was delayed despite the sun shining, with both skippers and the umpires concerned about damp patches square of the wicket.
The patient crowd finally got their reward with a flurry of boundaries from Chris Gayle including three big sixes in the first power play.
But that was as good as it got and after helping West Indies to 49 in the first seven overs, he was well caught by Root for 37.
Skipper Jason Holder (41 not out) was the only other player to really shine.