England head coach Brendon McCullum on Jonny Bairstow’s struggles against India: “I am not blind”
While England’s head coach Brendon McCullum is “not blind” to Jonny Bairstow’s difficulties in the current Test series against India, the former captain of New Zealand and creator of Bazball isn’t willing to give up on the powerful right-hander who has recently produced results for three lions on a regular basis. “He’s done incredibly well for us, and I’m not blind. After England lost the Rajkot Test by an overwhelming 434 runs, McCullum stated, “We know that a top-quality Jonny Bairstow is as good as anyone in any conditions, so we’ve got to keep on giving him confidence and block out a lot of the external noise.”
In the six innings he has batted thus far on this tour, Bairstow’s highest score is 37. He has had his eyes in three times, but he was ejected because of a mistake in judgment or a brutal delivery, such as that which he received from Axar Patel in Hyderabad. However, the seasoned cricket player will be quite unhappy that he was unable to even reach double figures on Rajkot’s serene track. In the first innings, he was out for a duck, and in the second, he scored just four runs.
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It’s clear that Bairstow finds it difficult living in India. His overall Test average of 36 is 11 higher than his average of 25 after 11 Tests played in India. He has only three half-centuries and four ducks in India.
Alastair Cook, a former captain of England, believes it might not be a terrible idea to select Dan Lawrence, who can also provide assistance in the spin department, in place of Bairstow, so relieving strain on Joe Root. “So far, his tour has been difficult. Furthermore, it is exceedingly difficult to keep running that treadmill in India. In order to safeguard the player, I’m removing Jonny from the firing line.” Cook stated to TNT Sports. “Someone who is fresh and clear of all the debris so far in this series,” he stated.
Still, McCullum declared he would “block outside noise” and support Bairstow. “Even the wicket has escaped my sight. But certainly, I would think Jonny would be playing. From our perspective, Jonny will succeed if we continue to give him confidence, help him tune out most outside distractions, and keep him utterly present and concentrated on his goals. I’m going to spend some time with Jonny and tell him how great of a player he is.”
Michael Atherton, a former captain of England, also backed Bairstow, stating that it would be wrong to exclude him at such a critical juncture in the series. Atherton stated to the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, “[Bairstow] has been so central to this project that I don’t see them leaving him out now, at a critical juncture.” “Everything they’ve done has been aimed at providing their players with a sense of security and assurance that they will be fully supported. I believe they’ll support that experience and help him succeed.”
India is ahead 2-1 in the five-match series. On Friday, the fourth Test will get underway in Ranchi.
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