Targets

being put in uncomfortable situations and learning about how you get out of those is a good thing.”

As for this winter’s campaign, he acknowledges all-rounder Stokes’ key absence, but insists England still have the collective talent to compensate.

“You take Ben out and yes, there’s a hole in the batting and the bowling, but at the same time you’ve still got a core group of allrounders in there that can change games and score a lot of runs,” he added.

“It allows the balance of the side still to be there.”

Bairstow’s brief, as ever, remains continued productivity in front of the stumps and eradication of any blemishes behind them.

To that end, he cites the brilliance of Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin in the hosts’ 2013-14 whitewash victory as an example to follow.

“(He was) massive – for me, he was near on man of the series,” said Bairstow. “The catches he took, the way he changed the game when we had them four or five down, was huge - he was unbelievable in that series.”

England dug deep to force a Test draw against Australia and keep alive their hopes of securing the Women’s Ashes.

The tourists headed into the final day of the day-night contest 128 runs in arrears - on 40 without loss – at the North Sydney Oval, and needing to avoid defeat to retain any hope of reclaiming the urn in the multi-format series.

Openers Lauren Winfield (34) and Tammy Beaumont (37) were the only wickets to fall on Sunday, with England captain Heather Knight (79 not out) and Georgia Elwiss (41no) frustrating the hosts before Knight and opposite number Rachel Haynes agreed to call it a day.

The result meant the sides took two points apiece, with Australia leading 6-4 going into Friday’s first of three Twenty20 matches.