IND vs ENG: Jonny Bairstow To Be Ruled Out Of Test Series? England Batter Provides Humungous Update

England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow expressed uncertainty about donning the gloves in the upcoming five-match Test tour of India. Jonny Bairstow emphasized his commitment to working hard on his fitness and form, which would influence selection decisions.

Jonny Bairstow took on wicketkeeping duties during the 2023 English summer but encountered challenges with his glovework. Nevertheless, he demonstrated improvement as the summer progressed, concluding the summer with a total of 23 catches and a stumping.

I’ve Been Getting My Ankle Right – Jonny Bairstow

In a conversation with Sky Sports, Jonny Bairstow mentioned that he hasn’t discussed the decision regarding the wicketkeeping role. He highlighted his rigorous gym training to address ankle concerns.

“I’ve not spoken to anyone about that. As long as I’m over there, as long as I’m fit and firing, the selection decisions will be taken out of my hands,” Bairstow told Sky Sports.

“But look, I’m fairly happy with where I’m at, whether I’m keeping, batting or whatever it is. I’ve been getting my ankle right, just training in the gym pretty hard, catching up with friends and family,” he added.

“Having come back from the injury that I had, it was a pretty full-on summer… it’s been great to just have a bit of a refresh, have a bit of time with the family and just to make sure the ankle is as good as it can be.”

Wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes has been included in the 16-man squad for the upcoming series. Foakes could prove to be a valuable asset considering his exceptional glove work during England’s previous tour of India. He last played a Test match in February 2023.

India Can Produce Different Pitches – Jonny Bairstow

Bairstow faced a challenging time on England’s 2021 tour to India, registering three ducks on spinning pitches in Ahmedabad. The right-handed batter played the final two Tests and managed only 28 runs across the four innings at a disappointing average of 7.

Jonny Bairstow acknowledged the challenges posed by Indian bowlers on various pitches. He highlighted the uncertainty about whether the pitches will turn from day one. He expressed curiosity about how the ‘Bazball’ approach would fare in India.

“India can produce different pitches: it doesn’t have to turn. We’ve seen how potent their seam attack has been recently. Look, I’m sure the pitches will turn: it’s whether or not they’ll turn from day one, which potentially negates a bit of their strength in their seam attack. We know how strong they are,” Bairstow said.

“There’s been a lot of talk around Bazball and the probably majority of it has been from you guys [the media]. Look, it’s a positive way of playing cricket. It’s a way in which we’re trying to entertain people that are watching. In India, we know the conditions are going to be slightly different… it’ll be a case of, can we adapt quick enough and well enough to the conditions, and play suitably?”

The first match of the upcoming series is set to commence on January 25 in Hyderabad. The subsequent matches will be held in Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala. Notably, England was the last team to win a Test series in India back in 2012 under Sir Alastair Cook.

Also read: “Jonny Bairstow Dismissal Ignited The Series For Us” – Stuart Broad On Ashes 2023 Drama