Bairstow’s Breakthrough Test Season
Posted: Tuesday, January 8, 2013 by Anonymous in Labels: Andrew Strauss, ECB, England, England vs Pakistan, England vs Sri Lanka, Johny Bairstow, Kevin Pietersen, Others
The 2012 cricket season witnessed the devolution and
evolution of England’s international sides within a rollercoaster 12-month
period. From below-par performances against Pakistan and Sri Lanka to a
respectable victory over West Indies in the spring, collapse and humbling to
the might of South Africa to redemption on Indian soil, 2012 had it all.
England lost its captain but cemented a new leader in the
history books when Alastair Cook not only took over from Andrew Strauss but
proved the country’s greatest ever centurion, while Kevin Pietersen finally
smoothed over the cracks in his relationship with the ECB.
Throughout all this, however, there has been a player slowly
plying his trade and quietly gaining experience on the Test front. Jonny
Bairstow is not yet a household name but 2012 has proven a fruitful year for
the 23-year-old, who made his Test debut against West Indies at Lord’s after
impressing for county side, Yorkshire.
The right-hander struggled to impress the pundits
in his first three Test appearances but a stunning 95 and 54 against South
Africa at Lord’s in August propelled the youngster into genuine middle-order
contention. Scoring 149 over two innings against the world number one Test side
is an achievement many seasoned sixth-men would boast of but Bairstow quite
calmly took the tally in his stride.
His performance earned him a reserve role in the squad that
toured India with great success and, although Bairstow made just nine from his
one innings in Mumbai, his willingness to wear the helmet in the field earned
his side three wickets off spin deliveries.
Overall, Bairstow has had a low-key debut season in the
England whites but nevertheless a solid one. After all the turmoil that surrounded
the side this year, it is pleasing to know there are youngsters still able progress
up the ranks and earn Test caps, for experience at this level over the 2012
season will seriously improve the international side’s standing.
I like Bairstow - he seems like a genuine talent but just hasn't had the rub of the green yet. Maybe come the Ashes this summer we'll see how good he really is