Bairstow looking three and easy
JONNY Bairstow put on another batting masterclass to suggest that No 3 could be his magic number after all.
The reluctant specialist batsman scored 98 against a Cricket West Indies President’s XI to give himself the perfect preparation ahead of the first Test that starts on Wednesday.
It comes hot on the heels of his Test bow in the position in Sri Lanka where he scored a memorable 110 in Colombo and celebrated with a roar that could be heard across the Indian subcontinent.
That innings had come after the wicketkeeper-batsman was forced out of the first two Tests because of an ankle injury playing football in training – something he has not played since.
The injury allowed Ben Foakes to make his debut behind the stumps and his performances have meant that the gloves have not been returned to Bairstow, leaving him to forge a career as a batsman only, for now.
“Batting at No 3 is a great opportunity,” said Bairstow. “You want to be playing. It was a good start in Sri Lanka but there are a lot of challenges coming ahead.
“I’ve not stopped practising my keeping, not by any means, because we’ve all seen how quickly things change, so that is something I’ll keep doing. Down the line you want to be doing something you’ve done the past 10-15 years of your career. At this moment I’m batting at three in this team and want to play.
“It was good fun out there and it was nice to spend some time in the middle having not had much time in the nets leading in. It was a confidence booster leading into next week and the Test series.” Bairstow hit 10 fours and two sixes in a positive innings and shared an entertaining partnership of 118 with Rory Burns (68) in just over 23 overs on a pitch that was a test early on but played better than the previous game’s strip. With Keaton Jennings departing lbw for just seven, Burns and Bairstow coped with the new ball and then went on the attack.
Fast bowler Mark Wood has been named as the replacement for Olly Stone – who returns home today after being diagnosed with a stress fracture of the back – and will arrive in Barbados on Saturday.
The call-up completes a triple celebration for Wood who turned 29 last Friday and married his long-term girlfriend Sarah over the festive period.
“I am really pleased to get the call but I do feel for Olly in these circumstances,” said Wood, left. “My body is good to go and I’m playing with a smile on my face. It has been a very happy time for me and the family.”