An unproven match-winner and an adept striker of the ball, Jonny Bairstow has been part of England’s T20 plans since late 2011. He played 3 T20I’s in 2011 and returned with a collective tally of 6 runs only. It didn’t exhibit his true potential as he did not get to bat on debut, then got out for 4 runs in the next match before coming to finish off the third one by scoring 2 runs off 3 balls.
Bairstow’s innate ability to maneuver the ball as well as clearing the boundary ropes makes him an indispensable entity in the English batting lineup.
Rising through the ranks of English cricketing levels, Bairstow boasts an impressive FC average of 45.14.His inclusion into the squad facing Pakistan presented him with his first real shot at establishing himself as a regular fixture in a World Champion side.
Today, Bairstow walked into the Ring of Fire with England precariously placed at 49 for 3 in the 7th over. He had already shown glimpses of his technique in a fruitless knock of 22 n.o. just two days ago.
The Bairstow show started with a well placed chip over infield off Shahid Afridi. His confidence only grew with his stay on the wicket, as he powered Hafeez to mid-wicket for a sweetly timed boundary before walloping Afridi for a meaty six. He continued to pound on the spinners during the course of his innings but struggled to get away against some quality fast bowling at death.
With the wickets tumbling on the other end, he took a more sluggish approach and worked his way out with singles and doubles. He saved his best for the last as he smacked Umar Gul for a mighty six off the penultimate ball to take England close to 150, shifting the momentum into England’s favor.
In the hindsight, Bairstow’s innings held a great significance on a day when five batsmen failed to score 10 runs. Not only has he affirmed his status as a match-winner but has set the stage for an intriguing finale to a stirring battle.
GeoSuper