Bairstow has worn many hats for England. A one-day opener, in Test cricket he has batted everywhere from first drop to No7, been wicketkeeper, close catcher and boundary rider. In 2012-13, he was a player of promise at the end of a great era.
County runs brought him a permanent recall in 2015 and he remained in England’s best side — normally as keeper — until 2019. Since, he has fed off scraps: specialist No3 in Asia, back in the middle order last summer, dropped then recalled in the Ashes.
Never, though, has Bairstow been the leader, or the adult in the room. Even as he edged into the eldest quartile of the team, he has been treated with the kid gloves. On this tour, with James Anderson and Stuart Broad absent, that has changed.
Denne historien er fra March 09, 2022-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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Denne historien er fra March 09, 2022-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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