We have recently seen England revolutionize ODI batting, bringing in the newer variant of their aggressive play, which ultimately fetched them the 2019 World Cup on their home soil.
The credit can be given to multiple elements – right from the captainship to the English board taking measures to change the traditional mindset towards the format, which was sticking out like a sore thumb in past decades. One of the players who has helped shape England this fiery batting line-up is – Jonny Bairstow.
Easily one of the most destructive batsmen of the modern era, Jonny’s contribution to the current English team in limited format is rightfully justified. But can the same be said for his performance in test format? Let’s have a look at how Jonny Bairstow has performed in the test format.
Position wise play
A regular opener in the limited formats, but contradicting Jonny has never been assigned that role in the tests. He has batted from no. Three to no. 8, and more or less has played well at all the positions (except for batting two down, where his highest score remains 15 amongst the two times he was sent on that number). The most successful batting order proved to be no. 7, as evident since 3 of his six centuries came at that spot.
The numbers also show that the trend is that the team sends him at no. 6 and no. 7 alternatively, which he has successfully carried out, as evident by the number of runs and appearances he has at those positions. So even though his middle-order performances may not have been outstanding, majorly because of lack of innings at those positions, his adequate support at the lower order is clearly visible and hence the reason he is a trustable man there.
Home-away performance
Jonny’s performance at home is slightly better than his away test appearances. Although his average away from home is slightly lower, he has scored 4 of his six centuries there, showing his game-impacting ability in the overseas situation. In addition, 16 half-centuries at home also make a strong case for his effectiveness in local games.
Inning by inning effectiveness
This comparison is where it gets slightly dicey for Jonny. The statistics clearly show that he has been the most impactful in the first innings, as all of his centuries have been in this innings at an impressive average of 48.48. However, his lower numbers in the other innings (especially in the fourth innings) make him an easy target for opponents to go after in those particular innings.
Conclusion
Overall, Jonny has proved to be a dependable lower-order batsman for England with a decent average of 33.94. However, keeping in mind the ongoing India series as their visitors, it’s a given that England will be looking out at Bairstow to up his game. And as a fan of the ‘Bairstow show,’ we too are looking forward to Jonny going bizarre in the Tests!