Bairstow to take gloves off Foakes

Jonny Bairstow is set to be selected as England’s wicketkeeper for the Ashes, and regain the Test gloves for the first time since 2021, with Ben Foakes out in the cold.

Since being recalled last year, Foakes has been a hugely valued member of the England set-up. After long discussions about his position, England look poised to opt for Bairstow as the wicketkeeper-batsman, at No7. Foakes could now be omitted from the squad to face Ireland at Lord’s on June 1 – which is announced tomorrow – altogether.

England have a desire to keep as much continuity as possible this summer, minimising changes in the squad from match to match. Besides the fast-bowling group, who are likely to be rotated to manage their workloads, England have a desire to maintain a settled side throughout the Test summer.

In 20 Tests for England Foakes has averaged 32.2, and has scored two centuries – in Sri Lanka in 2018 and against South Africa last year. His strike rate, 49, is not a natural fit with England’s Bazball style, and Foakes has described how he has made conscious attempts to develop his attacking game.

There have never been any questions over his wicketkeeping, which Test captain Ben Stokes has hailed as the best in the world. Even if he plays no part in the six Tests this summer, Foakes might well be involved in the five-test series in India early next year, with his qualities as a keeper regarded as important in spinning conditions.

After a stunning 2022, which included six Test centuries, there was never any question over Bairstow regaining his spot. Before breaking a leg in a freak golf accident, last summer he batted at No5, as a specialist batsman. But Harry Brook’s remarkable form over the winter – four centuries in five Tests – meant England were keen for him to bat at five this summer.

England wanted Bairstow to take the gloves for Yorkshire when he made his first-class return this summer, which he was happy to do and has since impressed. His aggressive approach is considered an ideal fit at No7, especially with concerns over the length of England’s tail.

After England’s last Test, the agonising one-run defeat by New Zealand – when Foakes’s secondinnings 35 almost took England to victory – head coach Brendon Mccullum confirmed that Bairstow, who has kept wicket in 49 Tests, would return to the side in some capacity. Mccullum said: “What we can’t do is try and crowbar people in,” seemingly ruling Bairstow out of slotting in as opener, where he has batted in Tests.