Ind vs Eng: 'Take Jonny Bairstow out of firing line' - Cook suggests England to drop batter for Ranchi Test
Ind vs Eng: Cook suggests England to drop Bairstow for Ranchi Test
England lost the third Test to India by 434 runs in Rajkot. With that, they have conceded a 2-1 lead to the Rohit Sharma-led home team in the ongoing five-match series. Ahead of the fourth and penultimate Test, in Ranchi, former England skipper Alastair Cook has suggested Ben Stokes & Co. to drop under-fire Jonny Bairstow in order to 'protect' him.
Bairstow has had a torrid run in the Test series versus India, managing just 102 runs from six innings at an average of 26. In Rajkot, he returned with scores of 0for 4, with many questioning his spot. Thus, Cook said while talking to TNT Sports, "He's had a tough tour so far. And India is a very hard place to continue going on that on the treadmill. I'm taking Jonny out of the firing line, to protect the player. He suggested the thinktank to add "someone who is fresh and clear of all the debris so far in this series."
With many calling for Bairstow's exit, England Test coach Brendon McCullum has made it clear that they will continue to back the middle-order batter. Ahead of the Ranchi Test match, McCullum said, "I haven't even seen the wicket. But I'd anticipate Jonny would be playing, yes."
McCullum was quick to point outthat whileBairstow has been struggling, they would continue to give him the confidence in a bid to help himblock out the external noise and remainfocused.
The New Zealander stated, "I'm not blind but he's done so well for us and he's had such an impactful career. So from our point of view, we've got to keep on giving him confidence and block out a lot of the external noise as well and keep him really present and focused on what he's trying to achieve, and I'm sure Jonny will come good. He added, "I willspend a bit of time with Jonny and remind him that he's such a wonderful player."
Bairstow will play his 99th Test if he features in England's playing XI for the fourth and penultimate encounter in Ranchi. India lead the series 2-1 after a mammoth 434-run win in Rajkot.