Bairstow set for Test debut as Bopara misses West Indies clash
Published:Jonny Bairstow represents somewhat of a wildcard selection for England on Thursday, and he hopes to contribute to a First Test success over West Indies at 1/2.
22-year-old Yorkshireman Bairstow has impressed selectors in the one-day form of cricket, leading to selectors taking a chance on the unpredictable batsman in the Test arena.
A vigorous and aggressive batting talent, it remains to be seen how Bairstow will react to the challenging conditions at Lord’s, where a bowler-friendly surface and strong West Indies attack will be a huge test.
He will emulate his father David by becoming an England Test player this Thursday, and in turn the pair will become the 13th father and son duo to represent the country in the long form of the game.
Bairstow will enter the batting order at number six, as a replacement for the injured Ravi Bopara, whose thigh problem will see him sidelined for the first two Tests.
It is interesting to note that Bairstow was preferred to the similarly inexperienced James Taylor, who will remain in Nottinghamshire, as it is thought that Yorkshire’s wicketkeeper-batsman may take to the high-profile surroundings of the Test arena more readily.
The Yorkshire star will take heart from his first showing at Lord’s, and despite his need to adopt a more refined approach to Test cricket, he will aim to rack up another impressive total.
He made 114 runs from 136 in that debut Lord’s outing, and the fact that West Indian Corey Collymore led the opposition attack that day will only improve his self-belief.
An impressive display on his full England debut will also make Bairstow believe he can handle the occasion this Thursday, as he aims to demonstrate the power, touch and control that characterise his batting.
Bairstow powered to 41 runs from just 21 balls in that ODI against India, and he will hope to achieve a total at least excessive of that, despite the Test environment necessitating a more conservative approach.
