From our archive: 2012
England team director, Andy Flower, has backed Jonny Bairstow to be a hit in Test cricket, despite a tough baptism in the recent series against West Indies.
The 22-year-old batsman was given the nod for the first Test at Lord’s, after an impressive start to the county season and promising showings for England in limited-overs cricket.
However, it did not go to plan for the Yorkshireman. Bairstow had limited chances to shine with the bat, as England twice chased down small totals for victory.
The heavily rain-affected third Test at Edgbaston meant Bairstow had just three meaningful innings in the three-match series, scoring 38 runs.
It was a difficult and truncated introduction to Test cricket for the youngster, but one which will stand him in good stead for the future, according to Flower.
“He is a very clean striker of the ball, very hungry to do well and is a quick learner,” said Flower.
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“He is a very exciting prospect for England, but I think we should all remain patient with Jonny, in that he is only 22 years old. Some of the little skills and soft touches that are required to survive in Test cricket are things he will learn.”
Bairstow was included in the one-day squad for the upcoming series against West Indies but is behind the likes of Ravi Bopara and Eoin Morgan in the 50-over pecking order. He should get an opportunity in the sole Twenty20, on June 24.
Flower expects Bairstow to be a fixture in the England set-up in the coming years. “We believe he has a high ceiling and he will certainly be a smarter and better cricketer for his experiences in this Test series,” added Flower.
England will win their match with the West Indies, later this month, according to the latest odds, where the former side are 8/15 for the victory. Place a bet on sports to be in with a chance of a big payout, this summer.
Looking back: Andy Flower was right. Jonny Bairstow became a regular in England’s Test side and played his 100th Test against India in Dharamsala in March 2024.
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