Bairstow has been vital to England in previous test matches and makes his way back into the team this summer for another Ashes test series against Australia on English soil which starts June 16.
The Yorkshireman is to replace Ben Foakes as wicketkeeper who has been dropped due to Bairstow being eligible to play again after some time out through injury.
The 33-year-old last played international cricket in September, before fracturing his leg in a freak accident that occurred whilst playing golf. He hasn’t played any of England’s previous matches throughout the winter and has only just returned to playing in the County Championship for Yorkshire but now looks certain to be involved in this upcoming Ashes series.
Former England man and current managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key said that leaving out Ben Foakes was “a seriously tough decision”, this comes after the Surrey wicketkeeper had managed to establish himself as a first choice in Brendon McCullum’s and Ben Stokes’ team. Out of the last 12 test matches, England have secured 10 victories and have been playing some very attacking and entertaining cricket since the New Zealander took the head coach role last year.
Bairstow is a very experienced player when it comes to England having featured in 89 test matches with 49 of them being the wicketkeeper. He is renowned for his explosive batting style which is vital with the style that they now play and has the ability to change the course of a match in a matter of overs.
Bairstow’s proficiency behind the stumps adds another dimension to England’s gameplay. His agility and sharp reflexes make him a formidable wicketkeeper, capable of producing crucial dismissals and turning the tide in England’s favour.
England’s selectors have shown their faith in Bairstow’s abilities, recognising his potential to make a substantial impact on the series. His return also adds depth to the team’s batting order, providing a strong foundation alongside established players like Joe Root and Ben Stokes.
Bairstow will be in the squad that faces Ireland in their warm-up test match at Lord’s on June 1 leading up to the five-match Ashes test series against the Aussies in which they hope for revenge after a disappointing series last time out down under. The Australians won four out of the five in a 4-0 win.
-Ryan Greenwood