Bairstow to skip Hundred before Tests

JONNY BAIRSTOW has pulled out of the Hundred to rest before England’s Tests against South Africa. Bairstow has played more games for England across all formats than anyone else since the start of 2021. ‘I’ve had a hectic few months with the schedule and I really need a breather,’ he said. Moeen Ali, meanwhile, says he expects changes to be made to England’s white-ball sides — and has urged his team-mates to remember how hard they worked under the captaincy of Eoin Morgan. Jos Buttler’s T20 and one-day sides failed to win any of their four series against India and South Africa and Ali believes the Hundred, which starts today, will be a chance for fringe players to impress. ‘We haven’t played so well and if someone is outstanding in the Hundred, they put their name up,’ said Moeen.