Jonny Bairstow revealed the changes in his defensive technique that he made after a disappointing India series at home, and how it helped him play a counter-attacking 64-ball 52 against the West Indies in Antigua.
Bairstow, who walked in at No.3, found himself in the middle of a collapse as England were reduced to four down before lunch on the first day of the second Test on Thursday, 31 January. But his half-century, laden with nine fours and a six, and Moeen’s Ali’s patient 60 later in the day took England to a total of some credibility on a tough pitch before they were bundled out for 187.
England bowled 21 overs on the day and although they didn’t get any wickets, they gave away only 30 runs. Bairstow applauded the bowlers and said the early parts of the second day will be “interesting”.
“I thought we bowled really well tonight, and were unlucky not to get a few nicks,” he said. “The boys put the ball in the right areas, and to only be 30 off 21 overs is a testament to that fact. The ball went past the bat many, many times and on another day you’d nick a few.”
