ENG vs PAK 2018: Jonny Bairstow Insists England Do Not Fear Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir is undoubtedly one of the finest pace bowlers in world cricket at the moment. His sheer pace coupled with the ability to swing the ball both ways makes him an extraordinary bowler. However, England’s Jonny Bairstow is not intimidated with the skills of the Pakistani pacer.

The young English wicket-keeper batsman had consolidated his position in Test squad with a string of impressive performances. However, he will have the duty to negotiate Amir when the two sides meet later this month in a two-game Test series.

The last time these two sides met in England, the series ended in a highly entertaining 2-2 draw. Bairstow feels the English batsmen can play well against Amir and he will not be a problem.

“We played them not too long ago, so there will be people in their team we have played against previously.”

‘There are plans that you are going to have. You could pick out any right-arm bowler that we have had problems against – (or Australia’s) (Mitchell) Starc and (Mitchell) Johnson are two very good bowlers.”

‘It’s possibly a disservice to our players (to mention it), because we have got players who have scored a lot of runs around the world against left-armers. People have got skills – I don’t think it’s a problem that needs highlighting,” Bairstow said.

Bairstow Backs Jos Buttler’s Selection

The selection of Jos Buttler has been a surprise by the English selectors. Having a strong wicketkeeper-batsman like Jonny Bairstow in Test cricket has helped England very well in recent past.

However, the selection of Jos Buttler could reduce the workload on Bairstow in the coming games.

On the other hand, Jos Buttler has been in sensational form for Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL season. He had scored five consecutive fifties this season and is amongst the top run-getters for this edition. His addition to England’s national team will once further boost his confidence.

Speaking of Jos Buttler’s selection, Jonny Bairstow said,

“Bringing Jos in at seven is really exciting.  He has obviously been in great form in the IPL. It is a really positive selection.”

“You have got to keep faith with people and you have got to make difficult decisions – and that is exactly what has happened.”