Bairstow puts faith in bowlers

England

Cricket365
December 28, 2013

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."