AUS vs ENG: Kumar Sangakkara Hails Jonny Bairstow As "One Of The Best All-Format Batters"

England wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow was left stranded on 99* as Cameron Green dismissed James Anderson to bowl out Australia on day 3 of the fourth Ashes 2023 Test. England scored a mammoth 592 and Bairstow played his part batting with the lower order.

England resumed day 3 on 384/4 and started scoring at a faster pace right from the get-go. First Ben Stokes scored a quickfire 51 and Harry Brook was dismissed for 61 before Bairstow started his onslaught. He hit 10 fours and four sixes as Australian skipper Pat Cummins opened up the field for him.

Australian fielders were at the boundary line while Bairstow was batting but his clean hitting meant that the fielders were just spectators. Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara was very impressed by his batting and hailed him as one of the best all-format batters.

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“Jonny Bairstow today, coming out and doing what he did…we know the capabilities of Jonny Bairstow, he’s one of the best all-format batters in the world, but how he made his runs today was a real statement,” Sangakkara said on Sky Sports after the conclusion of Day 3 of the Test match.

The former Sri Lankan skipper further highlighted the similarities between Bairstow’s keeping and his batting.

“It’s also a follow on from the fact he kept really well in this match. For most keepers, who are genuine all-rounders with the bat, they do go hand in hand,” he further added after the day’s play.

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Jonny Bairstow Is An Invaluable Player For England: Kumar Sangakkara

Bairstow’s belligerent batting came after Zak Crawley (184), Moeen Ali (54), and Joe Root (84) had played their part with the bat for England. Sangakkara spoke about Bairstow’s value in the side as he spoke about the way he batted on day 3.

“Bairstow has proved that again today. He’s such an invaluable player for England. The way he put the bowlers to the sword, clearing the lines at will, really dampened the Australia spirits,” Sangakkara concluded.

The start of day 4 play has been delayed due to rain with Australia 113/4 and still trailing by 162 runs.

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