We’re ready for the chase again, says Bairstow
JONNY Bairstow insists England stand ready to chase down any target after his fifth century of a vintage year was not enough to prevent India building a big lead at Edgbaston.
Bairstow continued his remarkable run of form in 2022 with a counterpunching 106 against a high-class India attack. But 36 from Sam Billings was the side’s next best score as they gave up a 132-run first-innings lead.
By the end of the third day that was up to 257, with Cheteshwar Pujara’s solid half-century leading India to 125 for three.
England proved their credentials as fearless chasers in their whitewash over New Zealand, reeling in 277, 299 and 296, with Bairstow at the heart of their efforts. And, even though they are likely to be faced with a much steeper challenge this time, he sees no reason to back down.
“Whatever they set, they set and we’ll go about in the same manner. Why not?” said Bairstow.
“There’s no point in looking at figures and everything like that. We know it’s going to be on day four, day five pitches that we’re going to play on but that’s okay. Recently, it’s been a lot of fun.
“It’s fantastic playing in front of these full houses, playing for the fans and inspiring the next generation of Test cricket coming through. Hopefully we’re putting smiles back on people’s faces and bums on seats.”
Invited to explain his stunning gear shift as a Test cricketer – Bairstow had a career average of 33.49 at the start of 2022 but has raised that to 67.69 in the eight games since the turn of the year – he had a surprisingly basic explanation.
“I’ve not really thought of technique and stuff like that, I’ve just stripped everything back and tried to focus on watching the ball,” he said.
“There’s my honest answer. I’ve never been a great technician, have I? That’s why people have torn me to shreds a few times: going leg side of it, going off side of it, bowled through the gate.”