ENG vs AUS: "If I Was Rubbish, I Wouldn't Have Played 94 Games" - Jonny Bairstow Reflects On Criticism Over His Batting Form

“Everyone thinks that I play better when people go at me, it gets a bit tiresome to be honest with you. I’ve played a lot of cricket now and to be keep being told that you’re rubbish,” Bairstow told Sky Sports.

“Well, if I was rubbish, I wouldn’t have played 94 games. I’ve been happy with my form. There’s been a couple of interesting dismissals during the series but it’s only a couple games ago that I got 70-odd, so it is what it is,” he added.

Also read: IND vs WI: “I Believe He Is Going To Become One Of The Best That Has Ever Played The Game” – Dinesh Karthik On Shubman Gill

It Could Have Ended My Career – Jonny Bairstow

The Yorkshire cricketer admitted that the ankle injury, which he suffered last year, could have ended his career.

“You just don’t know how bad it’s going to be. It could have ended my career. I’ve got nine pins, and a wire that goes through my ankle, and I’ve had nine months out.

I’m still only 10 months post-operation right now. So when you speak to the surgeon and he says ‘I’m surprised you’re walking and running, never mind playing professional sport’, I’m delighted to be where I’m at,” he concluded.

The Ben Stokes-led team is in a comfortable position to level the Test series at 2-2. The home team took a lead of 275 runs in the first innings and picked up four wickets of the opposition for 113 before stumps on Day 3.

Also read: ENG vs AUS: “He’s Been On His Knees A Lot More Than On His Feet” – Dinesh Karthik Highlights A Technical Flaw In Jonny Bairstow’s Keeping