Bairstow puts faith in bowlers
Batsman Jonny Bairstow was England's isolate voice of hope, as Australia assumed command on day three of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Batsman Jonny Bairstow was England's isolate voice of hope, as Australia assumed command on day three of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday.
The tourists' second innings amounted to a mere 179 all out, after the last five wickets fell for just six runs. The Australians, in pursuit of a modest 231-run target, later moved to 30 without loss.
"After the start we got it's disappointing to be ending the day in the field. Obviously it's disappointing but I'm sure on Sunday we can go out and take those 10 wickets like we did in the first innings," said Bairstow.
"Of course we can do it. In the first innings we bowled them out for less than they're having to chase. The patience our bowlers showed, and the skill in getting the ball moving sideways, it was a fantastic showing from our bowlers and if we can get it going sideways again we know how dangerous our bowlers can be."
The inexperienced Bairstow, named in the XI ahead of the dropped Matt Prior, scored a fluid 21 on Saturday.
The promising vigil started with a six struck off spinner Nathan Lyon, who eventually welcomed a 100th Test match wicket and a telling five-for, but ended with an edge to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin off the bowling of the in-form Mitchell Johnson.
"It's a fantastic experience. That's the nature of sport, that's why you practice day in, day out, to try to come out and play," he added.
"I guess that's the way I play. You seen me for a few years now and that's how I like to play my cricket. I was pleased to get off to a decent start, so I'm disappointed I didn't go on."
Latest
-
NewsRory Burns hails ‘special’ hundred in front of baby daughter
The England opener’s wife and five-month-old child Cora were at Lord’s to see him bat through the innings against New Zealand.
-
NewsOliver Hannon-Dalby takes Warwickshire top while Glamorgan beat Lancashire
Durham and Leicestershire also wrapped up victories on day three.
-
NewsTim Southee and Rory Burns take headlines while Ollie Robinson impresses again
Robinson has impacted his debut Test with bat and ball but there was no such good news for James Bracey or Dan Lawrence.
-
NewsRory Burns leads England resistance after Tim Southee burst at Lord’s
New Zealand seamer Southee had England in trouble with six for 43 but Burns’ century made the draw the favourite with a day remaining.
-
NewsNew Zealand have the edge in first Test despite Rory Burns century for England
Tim Southee’s six wickets gave the tourists the upper hand.
-
NewsTim Southee causes England to suffer middle-order collapse in first Test
Southee used his guile and a hint of movement to snare Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence and debutant James Bracey.
-
NewsDavid Bedingham ton puts Durham on top against Worcestershire
Dan Ibrahim is one of only two 16-year-old’s to score a half-century in the Championship.
-
NewsBlack Caps bowling coach Shane Jurgensen enjoying Root-De Grandhomme battle
De Grandhomme claimed the crucial wicket of Root in the 2019 World Cup final.
-
NewsReece Topley could miss large chunk of England’s summer limited-overs schedule
The left-arm seamer injured his right side playing for Surrey’s second team.
-
NewsWeather thwarts England and New Zealand on day three at Lord’s
Providing the conditions are dry, play will get under way on Saturday at the usual time of 11am, with 98 overs set to be bowled.