Morgan: Jonny has never let us down
England ODI captain Eoin Morgan believes Jonny Bairstow could still be a great asset to the national side even though he won’t be a regular starter when first choice players return to the fold.
With Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes on IPL duty in India, Bairstow played in the recent two-match series against Ireland and once again impressed with the willow in hand.
The Yorkshire batsman struck an unbeaten 72 from just 44 balls as England beat Ireland by 85 runs at Lord’s on Sunday to seal a 2-0 series whitewash.
A regular in the Test team, Bairstow knows he will probably have to carry the drinks if everybody in the squad is fit and Morgan has sympathy for his teammate.
Bairstow: I want to be a part of every England side
The skipper though also says the 27-year-old would be the perfect replacement if someone were to get injured as England prepare for a series against South Africa and the Champions Trophy next month.
In quotes published on Cricinfo, Morgan said: “If an injury goes down, touch wood, you want someone in form to stand up. We’ve seen it before, where he hasn’t even been in the squad, and he’s come back from a Yorkshire game, and won us the game.
“That’s the type of character he is. It’s amazing to watch, because you’d have a lot of guys who would complain about their situation – not getting enough chances, or a long enough run – but he comes in and just performs. And that’s rare.
“Jonny has never let us down, and that is so rare to get someone that hungry and focused to come in and produce every game. And that gives him credit as he goes on.”
Latest
-
NewsAli Orr helps Sussex to five-wicket win over Derbyshire
The 21-year-old opener was helped by partners Tom Alsop and Mohammad Rizwan.
-
EnglandIssy Wong living the dream as late wickets boost England against South Africa
The 20-year-old fast bowler made an impact on a rain-affected day three at Taunton.
-
EnglandEngland frustrated by the weather on third day of South Africa Test
South Africa were 51 for three at the close of play.
-
EnglandIssy Wong’s late double keeps England in control at Taunton
.England were rewarded for their patience during a lengthy rain delay.
-
EnglandJames Anderson: England’s new-found confidence unlike anything I’ve seen before
Anderson first played for his country in 2002 and has lived through more than his fair share of new eras, reboots and fresh starts.
-
EnglandEngland paceman James Anderson keen to prove fitness ahead of India Test
The 39-year-old sat out the final match against New Zealand at Headingley due to concerns over his left ankle but says it now feels “pretty good”.
-
EnglandAndrew Gale ‘not willing to engage’ in ‘tainted’ ECB racism disciplinary process
Gale denied Azeem Rafiq’s allegations against him and described him as an “embittered former colleague”.
-
EnglandMichael Vaughan ‘steps back’ from BBC work after staff raise concerns
The former England captain had recently returned to Test Match Special coverage.
-
EnglandSimon Harmer bowls Essex to thrilling win while Surrey dominate Kent
Spinner Harmer took 15 wickets in the match as his side held off Hampshire by 12 runs.
-
EnglandSciver stars and Davidson-Richards makes history – day two in the women’s Test
The England pair’s maiden Test centuries took their side past South Africa’s total at Taunton.