Bairstow’s Test future enhanced by Kallis

JONNY BAIRSTOW is eagerly awaiting a masterclass with the man he rates as “the best allrounder 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 in international cricket.

Not only does the 45- year- old 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’s relentless ability to churn out scores in all conditions, including nine centuries in the No 3 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 and without the wicketkeeping 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’s calibre,” said Bairstow. “With the things he has done within the game, in my eyes he is the best all- rounder 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.

“I am really intrigued to spend more time with him to gauge and understand his processes.”

With England having thrown their support behind 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 Yorkshireman, who has made six Test tons, said: “I’ve played 70 Tests, and people keep saying ‘ points to prove’,” he said. “I’ve answered a lot of questions but this is now a time for me to enjoy a Test series and relish the opportunity.

“With the work I’ve put into my game and the runs I’ve got left in the tank over the next three, four, five years, I believe I can be a huge contributor to English cricket in the Test arena.”

PICTURE: MIKE EGERTON/ PA BACK IN THE FRAME: Jonny Bairstow has played 70 Tests for England but none in the last 13 months. Now back in the squad for the two- Test series with Sri Lanka, he is determined to make his mark. He said: “Last time I played in Sri Lanka, I got a hundred batting at three. To go out and bat at three will be great. In some ways, it will be a great opportunity, and there’s no better place to go out and score runs.”