Brave Bairstow takes fight to Sri Lankans
JONNY BAIRSTOW’S maiden first-class hundred at Lord’s rescued England on the opening day of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka.
The Yorkshire wicketkeeper continued his fine run of form this year, with an unbeaten 107 that helped Alastair Cook’s side reach the close on 279-6.
While far from an impregnable position for the hosts, who failed to take advantage of a flat pitch on a perfect day for batting at Lord’s, Bairstow’s third Test hundred kept England in the hunt for the victory that would see them seal a 3-0 series whitewash.
He did ride his luck; dropped on 11 and reprieved again on 56 when Sri Lanka had an lbw DRS review denied on Umpire’s Call despite the fact Hawkeye showed the ball from Shaminda Eranga clattering into leg stump. Nevertheless, the 26-year-old finished unbeaten on 107.
Bairstow, who made 95 at Lord’s against South Africa in 2012, is now only the second England wicketkeeper to score three Test centuries in the same calendar year after Matt Prior in 2011.
“It feels pretty amazing after the South Africa game here when I fell short,” Bairstow said.
“Looking back it’s been a tough four years. It’s an amazing feeling to do this at Lord’s and something every boy dreams of – a special moment.
“I’m in a good place right now and hopefully people are enjoying watching me.”
Bairstow’s runs were crucial after England had slipped to 1645 following the loss of captain Alastair Cook for 85 in the afternoon session.
The cheap dismissals of Alex Hales, Nick Compton and Joe Root had seen the hosts limp into lunch on 74-3.
And while Cook’s 80-run stand with Bairstow rebuilt the innings, it was England’s wicketkeeper who took centre stage once his captain was trapped lbw by Nuwan Pradeep.
Compton’s dismissal for one, edging Suranga Lakmal behind, will surely signal the end of his Test career following a poor return in a series where he now averages just 10.66.
Yet thankfully for England, Bairstow is now in the form of his life.