Jonny Bairstow tells England selectors to forget about Jason Roy… and stick with him in ODI team against West Indies
Yorkshireman is convinced he deserves an extended run in white-ball sides — but he could be disappointed again
JONNY BAIRSTOW is convinced he deserves an extended run in England’s white-ball teams — but he could be disappointed.
He ended the Champions Trophy in June as opening batsman with Alex Hales after out-of-form Jason Roy was axed.
But it looks certain Roy will be restored as Hales’ partner for the one-off T20 match against West Indies on Saturday and the five one-day internationals that follow.
So Bairstow will have to battle for a middle-order place if he is to extend his record of playing just 27 one-dayers and 22 T20 games since his 2011 debuts.
He is a magnificent batsman who normally performs in the shorter formats when given the chance. But he has never established a regular place in England’s white-ball sides.
Asked whether he expects Roy to return, Bairstow said: “I’ve not spoken to anyone about that. I like to hope that, having finished the Champions Trophy, I’ll definitely get a run in the side.
“I’ve been in and out for one game here and there and at some point it’d be nice to get a decent run. And not necessarily one series.
“It would be nice to get a couple of series under my belt so I’m able to get my teeth stuck firmly into a role. I don’t mind where I play or bat, as long as I am in that XI.
“When I’ve been asked to open or come in at No 3 over the last year, I think I’ve done all right.
“Wherever there is an opportunity hopefully I will get the nod.”
At least Bairstow appears to have seen off Sam Billings to be regarded as the No 2 one-day wicketkeeper behind Jos Buttler — whether he plays as a specialist batsman or not.
Billings has been omitted from both the 50-over and T20 squads.
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Bairstow, 27, said: “I presume Jos will keep the gloves. I like to think I’ve kept well enough over the summer to say I’m second keeper.
“If I’m keeping in the Tests, my keeping is up to scratch to keep in the one-day team as well.
“I’ve been delighted with my keeping this summer, it’s something I’ve worked very hard on.
“There was a lot said about it a year ago so, for people either not to be talking about it or saying, ‘Blooming heck, he’s kept nicely,’ is what you want.”
Most of the Windies’ big stars who missed the Test series return for the T20 showdown at Durham — such as Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Marlon Samuels.
And watch out for big-hitting opener Evin Lewis, a sensation in the last Caribbean Premier League.
The Windies’ clash with Ireland in Belfast yesterday was abandoned without a ball bowled due to rain.
But Bairstow warned: “We expect them to come out all guns blazing.
“They have match-winners throughout their team and if we’re not careful, we’ll be stung by that.”
- JONNY BAIRSTOW was speaking on behalf of Royal London, sponsors of one-day cricket. Visit www.royallondoncricket.com