Jonny Bairstow asks selectors for a proper run in the national team

English batsman Jonny Bairstow has urged the selectors to give him a fair run in England’s One-Day International side. For years, he has been on the reserves and more of a first choice replacement. As the Windies tour of England for a T20 International and five-match ODI series commences, Jos Buttler is all set to take over the wicketkeeping duties from Bairstow. On the other hand, Jason Roy is likely to retain his place as an opener hence putting Bairstow’s position in jeopardy.

Earlier, Roy had been dropped owing to poor form, failing to cross 20 runs in nine consecutive innings. That’s when Bairstow was asked to open. Roy responded to the omission by scoring a hundred in his first game for Surrey and has scored half centuries in 4 out of his last 5 innings. Thus, Bairstow in spite of having adapted well may have to again make way for the others.

Bairstow’s view on the current situation

He is also willing to bat in the position the team asks him to, just to ensure that he has a place in the starting XI. The right-hander opened the batting in the Champions Trophy 2017, while he handles the crucial middle order position in the longe format of the game.

“I have said now over a period of time I don’t mind where I play or bat as long as I am in that XI,” said Bairstow. “I finished the Champions Trophy opening the batting. When I have been asked to do so I like to think I have done alright over the last year or so when I have opened or come in at three. Wherever it is that there is an opportunity in the side, hopefully I will get the nod,” he added.

“I like to hope that having finished the Champions Trophy that I will definitely get a run within the side. I have been in and out for one game here and there and at some point it would be nice to get a decent run, not necessarily one series. It would be nice to get a couple of series under your belt so you are able to get your teeth stuck firmly into a role,” the wicketkeeper-batsman further stated.

Bairstow has been among the runs with 3 half centuries and a 43 in five games. However, looking at the strong England side seems like he may have to stay more patient. While it seems difficult to find him in the playing XI as the English team sets foot at Old Trafford on Tuesday, it would be interesting to see if the 27-year-old gets to feature in the squad any time during the series.