ENG vs IND: “I have stripped it all to the basics,” Jonny Bairstow reflects on his red-hot Test form

Jonny Bairstow has simply been in a league of his own this summer. The middle-order batter scored a magnificent unbeaten knock of 114 runs to help England level the five-match series against India. After a long delay of nine months, both teams shared the spoils, with the series ending on level terms, 2-2. 

On Day 5 of the final Test, Jonny Bairstow registered his fourth Test hundred in just six innings. Batting alongside another in-form batter Joe Root, the duo put on a formidable partnership which left the Indian bowling attack searching for answers. Records were shattered on the final day, as England registered their highest successful chase (378) in Test cricket.

Throughout the summer, we have witnessed an English batting lineup that will certainly not let their guards down at any point. Termed the ‘Bazball’ era in English red-ball cricket, Jonny Bairstow believes that his success can be attributed to the basics. The explosive batter asserts that playing with positive intent is of utmost importance.

“It’s great fun at the moment, this last month has been fantastic, we can see the smile on the boys’ faces. I’ve stripped it all back to the basics,” Bairstow said.

However, he acknowledges that they might end up on the losing side because of their attacking brand of cricket.

“I’m not a big fan of bubbles and sitting in rooms playing computer games, but it’s great to be back, day five sold out in 90 minutes. It’s about having the enjoyment factor, not being afraid of failing, and putting the pressure back on the opposition, we’re going to lose games along the way, but the positive brand is fun to play,” said Bairstow.

Jonny Bairstow was involved in a verbal tussle with Indian batter Virat Kohli during the first session of the third day. The duo exchanged a few words, which certainly got Bairstow all fired up. However, the Englishman has downplayed the battle, insisting that it was all under control.

“It was all under control, they try and intimidate, amazing players, try to shift it back onto them, periods of Test cricket when you have to consolidate, it started reversing so it got interesting again, then this morning’s a different morning. Just two lads from Yorkshire, grown-up playing together from the academy to Test matches, it’s pretty special,” the Englishman continued.