JONNY WANTS TO PUT HIS GLOVES HURT BEHIND HIM

JONNY BAIRSTOW insisted he wants to be an England regular in all formats after his unbeaten 72 from just 44 balls set up a convincing 85-run victory over Ireland at Lord’s. With only a three-match one-day series against South Africa between now and the start of the Champions Trophy on June 1, Bairstow is in danger of running out of time if he is to force his way in to the 50-overs side. And, in the absence of Jos Buttler, who is at the IPL, he described the decision to hand the wicketkeeping gloves for the Ireland series to Sam Billings as ‘desperately disappointing’. But the man who broke two Test records in 2016 — for most runs and most dismissals in a calendar year by a wicketkeeper — said he was doing all he can to claim a place in England’s white-ball middle order. ‘It’s something I’ve been targeting,’ he said. ‘I want to be a part of every England side there is. With the group of players we’ve got, it’s an exciting blend and there’s a heck of a lot of talent. I’m pleased with the way I’m striking the ball and moving at the crease. If I’m making contributions in whatever game I’m playing in, I’m happy.’ In pure batting terms, however, Bairstow is ahead of Billings, which means his best chance of appearing in the first one-dayer against South Africa at Headingley a fortnight on Wednesday is if England continue to omit Moeen Ali, who was not selected for either game against the Irish. Asked about the pressure of having to take whatever chances he is given in the 50-overs side, he replied: ‘I just try to go out and play as if I’m playing at Yorkshire. As soon as you try to do something that’s not necessarily in your repertoire, that’s where you come unstuck.’