England vs India 2018: Joe Root Warns Jonny Bairstow to Be on Top of his Game

Updated - 10 Jan 2019, 01:12 AM

England vs India 2018, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow
Joe Root has a warning for Jonny Bairstow ahead of the Oval Test against India. Image Courtesy: Getty

Ever since suffering from the finger injury, England’s Jonny Bairstow is facing the difficulties with his game. He failed to knock the scores for the team and then lost his wicketkeeping gloves to Jos Buttler after doctors suggested to stay away from keeping wickets. However, he is set to get back his gloves for the final Test with a warning from the captain, Joe Root.

Jonny Bairstow failed miserably in Trentbridge and Southampton Test with his willow. Meanwhile, Jos Buttler, who is also the wicketkeeper had done exceptional work to show his skills.

It’s not just keeping for Jonny Bairstow but his whole game – Joe Root

Speaking of Jonny Bairstow, the England skipper, Joe Root quoted the wicketkeeper-batsman had done exceptionally in the recent past, but he wants him to repeat the performances on a regular basis.

Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, India, Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow (Credits – Getty Images)

Joe Root signals there is a chance for Jonny Bairstow to share his gloves with Jos Buttler in a case of drop down in the form. The skipper added an extra pressure to Bairstow by asking him to be on top of his game.

‘‘I made it very clear that if he’s going to be the Test-match wicketkeeper he is going to have to keep working really hard. He might have been performing well for a long period of time but he’s going to have to keep doing that,” Joe Root told reporters.

‘‘It is a great reminder of what it takes to be at the top of your game and hopefully, he uses it as a driving force to keep improving, not just his keeping but his whole game,” he added to his lines.

Jos Buttler, England vs India, India
Jos Buttler (Image Courtesy: Getty Images)

Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler should share the workload – Joe Root

Further, the skipper Joe Root added both wicketkeepers should enjoy the perks of being in the same XI. He feels they should share the workload and help each other to stay on top of their games for a longer time.

”Sharing that workload could be key in terms of keeping everyone fresh and ready and at the top of their game. I think it’s a great way for those two guys to drive each other’s games forward as well,” he inferred.

However, it would be interesting to see how Jonny Bairstow copes up with the warning given by the skipper Joe Root. He was at his best in the recent past, but the last four innings haven’t fared well for him and the team.

Tagged:

Joe Root Jonny Bairstow Jos Buttler