Bairstow ready to tap into Kallis class during Sri Lanka tour

Jonny Bairstow is ea gerl y awaiting a masterclass with the man he rates as “the best all-rounder there has ever been” as he bids to make his first Test appearance in over a year.

South Africa great Jacques Kallis has joined the England camp on their tour of Sri Lanka as a consultant coach and boasts one of the most glittering CVs ever put together in international cricket.

Not only does the 45-yearold sit third on the all-time Test runs table with 13,289, slotting in just behind Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting, he also helped himself to 292 wickets and 200 catches in the format.

Kallis’ relentless ability to churn out scores in all conditions, including nine centuries in the number three position that Bairstow appears likely to be recalled to, makes him a perfect mentor for a man looking to re-establish himself in the side after a spell of limitedovers specialism.

Like Kallis, Bairstow has been asked to play many different roles for his country – with andwithoutthewicketkeeping gloves, up and down the order and between all three formats.

“It’s absolutely brilliant. I think it is a fantastic addition, someone of Jacques’ calibre,” he said, greeting the appointment with wide-eyed enthusiasm.

“With the things he has done within the game, in my eyes he is the best all-rounder that there has ever been. Someone that batted at the top of the order, caught absolute flies at slip and got so many wickets as well.

“There are so many different aspects you could speak to himabout.Iamreallyintrigued tospendmoretimewithhimto gauge and understand the process he went about it. Because to string all three bits together so successfully, over such a long period of time, is a skill in itself.

“It’s great to have Jacques around and I am really looking forward to spending some time with him, listening to what he has and working with him.”

W i t h E n g l a n d h av i n g th row n th ei r sup p o rt b e - hind Buttler as first-choice gloveman and Ben Foakes involved as back-up, Bairstow has come to terms with the idea that his latest chance is due to come in the top order.

The 31-year-old has batted at number three in just six innings, though it has not escaped his or the selectors’ notice that the first of those came in Sri Lanka on the 2018 tour, where he responded to the challenge with bullish 110.