Jonny Bairstow does not fit into England's middle-order: Bold statement from Steve Harmison


image-le6nsafhBairstow is out with injury [Twitter]

England's Jonathan Bairstow had a terrific 2022, where he looted 1,061 runs in the Test format, which included six centuries and one fifty. However, a freak injury saw him miss out on cricket, where players like Ben Foakes, Ollie Pope, Harry Brook and Ben Duckett came into prominence. 

England is currently engaged in a Test series in New Zealand, where on Day 1 of the first match, the Ben Stokes-led side are 279 for 5, with Harry Brook playing at 79.

Former pacer Steve Harmison believes that Bairstow will find it tough to regain his place in the XI as a pure batter, with everyone dishing out performances recently. 

Speaking to OnlineCricketBetting, the lanky fast bowler said that Bairstow could play either as a wicketkeeper-batter or an opener in the upcoming The Ashes if available. 

Here's what Harmison said

"If everything goes as it is, at this minute in time, and Jonny can keep wicket, there could be a role for him there, possibly, even though that could be harsh on Ben Foakes,”

All these things will come into the melting pot for selectors. I possibly think England will either go with him as a keeper or as an opener, I don’t see him fitting into the middle-order but you might get an injury and he will just slot back in, not a problem at all,"

The 44-year-old further emphasised that Bairstow must play against Australia at home, even if it meant slotting him at No.7.