After only 102 runs in three games in India, England’s Jonny Bairstow has come under fire. However, manager Brendon McCullum has stated that he has faith in the batsman and that he has no intention of benching him for the fourth test in Ranchi.
In the first game of the series in Hyderabad, Bairstow recorded his best score to date—37. He became the player with the most ducks against India in test cricket when he was trapped for a duck in his first innings and made four runs in England’s 434-run thumping in the third test in Rajkot.
Alastair Cook, a former captain of England, suggested that the 34-year-old should be removed from the team due to his batting difficulties, but McCullum is eager to assist him in finding his form again.
When asked if Bairstow would play in his 99th test match this week in Ranchi, McCullum responded to media, saying, “I haven’t even seen the wicket.” But sure, I would think Jonny would be playing.”
Bairstow had done poorly during the series, and McCullum accepted that, but he felt the player needed time to get back on track.
“I’m not blind but he’s done so well for us and he’s had such an impactful career …,” said McCullum.
From our perspective, Jonny will succeed if we continue to give him confidence, help him tune out a lot of outside distractions, and keep him genuinely present and concentrated on his goals.
“(I will) spend a bit of time with Jonny and remind him that he’s such a wonderful player.”
The fourth test of the five-match series begins on Friday, with India leading 2-1.
