'I'm looking to take the game forward'- Jonny Bairstow exudes confidence ahead of 4th day of Edgbaston Test

England’s explosive middle-order batter Jonny Bairstow has made it clear that there is absolutely no point in looking at how much the hosts will need to chase down in the ongoing rescheduled fifth Test match against India at Edgbaston. At the same time, Bairstow also admitted that the fourth and fifth day pitches will be difficult and England would strategize on how to get the job done.

India are already enjoying a heavy lead of 257 runs and with a well-set Cheteshwar Pujara and hard-hitting Rishabh Pant in the middle, the lead can be expected to skyrocket and England bowlers must ensure that they wrap up the proceedings at the earliest in order to ensure that they do not chase down a mammoth total in this series-decider.

There’s no point in looking at figures and everything on that: Jonny Bairstow

“Whatever is set is set and we’ll go about it as to whatever set. There’s no point in looking at figures and everything on that. We know that this, we know we’re planning a Test match. We know this is going to be day four and day five pitches that we’re going to be playing on. That’s okay. And yeah, we’ll be going about it in the same manner. And I’m looking to take the game forward”, said Bairstow during the post-match interview as quoted by India Today.

The English power-hitter seems to have exuded confidence in showcasing a better batting performance in the second innings after his impactful century in the first where he scored a vital 106 on the third day against a lethal Indian bowling attack that had dismissed England’s top-order cheaply.

Bairstow looked defensive on the morning of the third day before he was seen exchanging words with Virat Kohli. After that on-field incident, the Englishman vented out his frustration with the bat leaving the opposition team shell-shocked for a while. His crucial century helped the hosts in getting to 284.

Commenting on what made Jonny Bairstow adopt a defensive strategy in the initial phase of the morning session on the third day, he said that two of India’s pacers were looking in great nick, and on top of that the ball was also swinging around.

“And then look, this morning they bowled well, didn’t they? The first of the first 20 minutes, I mean, again, their two big guys leading in the attack, it was tricky. The ball was swinging around and everything … It was just trying to shift that momentum back and trying to wrestle the momentum back. And that’s why we love Test cricket, isn’t it? There’s ebbs and flows all the way through,” he said.