Naseer Hussain and Jonny Bairstow. (Photo Source: Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images and Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Flamboyant England stumper-batter Jonny Bairstow faced a lot of criticism for not being able to perform to his potential in the first three Test matches of the ongoing Ashes 2023. However, in the fourth Test, the 33-year-old showed his class as he was terrific behind the stumps and also smashed 99* runs off 81 deliveries, which completely changed the complexion of the game.
The home side was expected to take a decent lead but Bairstow’s blitzkrieg helped England put immense pressure on Australia. Even though wickets were falling from one hand, Bairstow didn’t change his mode as the cricketer scored some very quick runs to help the Ben Stokes-led side take a 275-run lead.
Meanwhile, speaking about Bairstow’s game-changing innings, former England skipper Nasser Hussain stated that the cricketer came out to bat like he wanted to prove a point. He believes that the criticism Bairstow faced in the last few weeks has given him some extra motivation and eventually added that England have done a brilliant job in retaining him despite not being able to deliver in the initial matches.
“I love cricketers like Jonny Bairstow. He is passionate, cares deeply and wants to show what he can do. He came out like he had a point to prove. He has read everything, listened to everything and it has wound him up. Whatever he says, Jonny Bairstow with a point to prove is a very dangerous Jonny Bairstow.
“He is ticking, has been ticking for weeks, and he wanted that day. If you wind him up enough he will go out there like a bull and deliver. What this England side do very well is stick with people. In the ’80s and ’90s if you had two or three bad games you were out,” Hussain said while talking to Sky Sports.
Australia staring down the barrel as England dominate fourth Ashes Test
Meanwhile, speaking of the ongoing fourth Ashes Test in Manchester, Australia are already facing some heat as the Pat Cummins-led side once again had a dismal outing with the bat. After winning the first two matches of the series, they were the favourites to take the urn home. But England have all the momentum as they have gained a massive lead on the visitors.
Therefore, the Aussies will be hoping to come out and show positive intent going into day 4, and drag the Test match to the final day with a hope for a draw result. Moreover, they will expect some mercy from the rain gods to mount pressure on England from a result perspective.