Jonny Bairstow Attributes His Impressive Run Of Form To His Freedom From Covid-19 Protocols

Jonny Bairstow of England has attributed his thrilling run of success in the last five Test innings, including two against India, to being free of COVID-19 protocols and having a clear role under new head coach Brendon McCullum.

Bairstow hit 106 and 114 not out in England’s seven-wicket victory over India in the rescheduled fifth Test, which the hosts won here on Tuesday. Before that, he scored 1, 16, 8, 136, 162, and 71 not out in England’s 3-0 Test series victory over New Zealand.

“It is the independence we enjoy right now. We can perform daily Covid tests without being confined to hotel rooms or bubbles, and we can perform everyday activities like going to the store, having a beer, visiting with friends and family,” Bairstow stated in the podcast Tailenders.

All of those factors add up, as does the joy of working with Baz (McCullum) and the clarity he provided for everyone. Recently, England has won four straight Test matches by playing aggressive cricket with New Zealander McCullum in the lead.

‘There was chat about going to the IPL’: Jonny Bairstow

This summer, Bairstow missed the start of the county season because he was participating in the Indian Premier League competition. McCullum assured him, though, that it would not have an impact on his Place on the Test team.

“Before our match against New Zealand, there was talk of playing county cricket instead of the IPL and going to the IPL, but Baz called and told me I was batting five in the Tests and to “get my head around it and go on,” according to Bairstow.

“Baz also discussed how I could dominate the game with me, but they did not go technical. In red-ball cricket, that might be challenging because you do not want to appear to be struggling.”

While Joe Root remained unbeaten on 142, Jonny Bairstow scored 114 not out as England chased down a record 378 runs vs India in the fifth Test.

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