Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow (Credits: ECB)

Jonny Bairstow fought tooth and nail to establish himself in England’s well-settled ODI setup. And it is safe to say that the opener is truly justifying the team-management’s decision to back him. On Saturday, he blew away New Zealand in the fifth ODI to set the tone for England’s series-winning chase.

The right-handed batsman scored 104 off just 60 balls to dismantle the hosts. He reached the three-digit mark off just 58 balls, thus compiling the third fastest ODI century by an England player. It was his second consecutive ton in the series after his 138 in the last game.

Bairstow spared no bowler as England all but sealed the game by the time the keeper-batsman was dismissed. The scoreboard was reading a daunting 155 for 1 off just 20.2 overs when Bairstow was dismissed in the unluckiest of manners. He was looking to attack Trent Boult but the bat swing landed on the stumps.

But by the time he got out, he had done enough to ensure England chase down the modest 224-run total with utmost ease. Bairstow’s knock was studded with 9 fours and 6 sixes.

Meanwhile, Twitter was quick to hail Bairstow after his monumental knock. Here are some of the reactions:

https://twitter.com/nikhilkalra_/status/972310137649102848

 

 

An avid cricket lover, I just love this game more than anything. Writing about cricket keeps me closer to the game.