What next for England star after Test snub?
JONNY Bairstow’s hopes of earning a red-ball recall have taken a blow after he lost his England Test contract, writes George Sessions, of PA news agency.
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced its central contracts for the next 12 months yesterday and, while the 31-year-old has been given white-ball terms, his omission from the list of Test deals was notable.
Where did it go wrong?
Bairstow’s form has declined dramatically during the past two years. A superb 110 against Sri Lanka in Colombo in November 2018 appeared to mark the start of a new chapter after he batted at three.
It was his third century in 12 months, but in 20 Test innings since – in a variety of different positions – he has mustered only two 50s and an average of 17.45, plus a forgettable pair against Ireland at Lord’s.
Who has displaced Bairstow?
After he lost the wicketkeeper gloves and batted at three in the final Test against Sri Lanka two years ago, the right-hander was then given them back after Ben Foakes struggled during a series in the West Indies.
A drawn home Ashes series in 2019 saw England’s selectors put faith in Jos Buttler behind the stumps – a decision which was only vindicated this summer – and, despite Bairstow’s open desire to win back his place, youngsters Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley have knocked him further down the pecking order in the specialist batsmen stakes, too.
What next for the Bradford-born wicket-keeper?
An average of 34.74 in Test cricket with 184 catches and 13 stumpings from 70 matches may be where it finishes for Bairstow.
Out of England’s red-ball side this summer, he played twice for Yorkshire in the Bob Willis Trophy and will get more opportunities to feature for them in the County Championship. He also still remains a crucial member of Eoin Morgan’s one-day team in both formats.