Bairstow unsure about wicketkeeping responsibility for Tests in India

New Delhi (Uttam Hindu News): England wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow said he does not yet know whether he will don the keeping gloves for the team during the five-match Test series in India starting January 25 in Hyderabad.

Bairstow was England’s primary wicketkeeper-batsman in the 2023 Test home summer for matches against Ireland and Australia. He made some mistakes early on, but ended the Ashes with 23 catches and one stumping.

England had recalled wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes to their 16-man squad for the Test tour of India as well as the upcoming preparation camp in Abu Dhabi. Foakes was widely praised for his impeccable wicketkeeping during the three matches on Indian pitches in the 2021 tour.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone about it, as long as I’m there, as long as I’m fit and working, the selection decisions will be out of my hands,” Bairstow told Sky Sports. But look, I am very happy that I am here, whether I am keeping, batting or doing anything else.”

Bairstow scored three ducks in four innings during England’s 2021 tour of India. After being rested from the first two matches in Chennai, they played the final two Tests of the series on the spin-friendly pitches of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. He stressed that England will be up to the challenge of adapting and playing to their ultra-aggressive style on Indian pitches.

“India can make different pitches: they don’t need to turn. We’ve seen how powerful their seam attack has been recently. Look, I am sure the pitches will turn: It is important whether the pitches turn from day one or not, which potentially reduces their strength a bit in their seam attack. We know how strong they are.”

“There’s been a lot of talk about buzzball and probably most of it has come from you guys (in the media). Look, this is a positive way to play cricket. It’s a way we’re trying to entertain people watching. In India, we know the circumstances are going to be a little different… It will be a case of, can we adapt quickly and well to the circumstances, and play appropriately?”

Bairstow missed most of 2022 cricket activity due to a serious foot injury that required surgery and made a successful return to international cricket in mid-2023. He revealed that the time off following England’s exit from the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup in India was dedicated to getting the foot in order.

“I’m healing my ankle, just training hard in the gym, catching up with friends and family. “Coming back from the injury, it was the whole summer… It was great to freshen up a little bit, spend some time with the family and make sure the ankle is as good as it can be.”