David Gower, in a lengthy Q&A with Betway, has offered his take on the Jonny Bairstow v Ben Foakes debate that has rumbled throughout the 2023 Ashes.
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Foakes had been England’s first-choice wicketkeeper throughout the Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum era, but was axed at the start of this summer as England wrestled with the dilemma of how to fit both of Harry Brook and Jonny Bairstow into the top seven.
The team management opted to hand Bairstow back the gloves, a role he has fulfilled at times during his 11-year England career. He was one of the stars of England’s return to form in 2022, with a five-innings stretch against New Zealand and India ranking among the greatest hot streaks in the format’s history.
However, a broken leg towards the end of the 2022 summer ruled him out of the winter, and he has struggled to hit the same heights since his comeback.
“I’m a huge Jonny Bairstow fan,” Gower said. “I’ve watched him through the ups and downs, batting in different positions, and have always empathised with him. Last year, of course, was his absolute peak. He was simply brilliant. England wanted the same again and they decided, with the balance of the team, to have him keep wicket, and it’s not gone as well as it could have done.
“Last year, he could relax a bit and just play and make hundreds. This year, I’m sure he’s feeling the pressure, but he’s done it before. He’s come back from being under pressure to make a point. And now would be a really good time to make a point emphatically.”
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Bairstow has also had an iffy time behind the stumps, with his errors arguably costing England, currently 2-1 down after three close Tests. “You’ve got to remember, he’s had a big injury,” explained Gower. “He’s not going to admit any side effects, even minor, of that leg injury, but an elite sportsman wants every part of his body working to the absolute max. As a keeper, you’ve got split seconds to be balanced, to be ready to move, to react and move in the right direction. All these things depend on both legs operating at 100 per cent.”
Foakes is rated as a better gloveman than Bairstow, an assessment Gower agreed with. However, he also suggested the Surrey stumper’s glovework has been overrated by some.
“Ben Foakes is a much better keeper, for sure,” he said. “The way he keeps wicket is actually a visual delight. But there’s a tendency to make him into some sort of demigod as a keeper. The reality is that even Foakes will drop the odd ball. He’ll do it beautifully, but he will drop the odd ball. Everyone is capable of mistakes.”
England have opted to stick with Bairstow for the Old Trafford Test, a must-win game if they are to retain the Ashes. “One thing I don’t think we should do is pick out one man,” said Gower. “This is a time to build him up and say it will get better.”
England are 6/4 favourites to win at Old Trafford according to Betway.
