England batsman Jonny Bairstow believes some pundits are “waiting for England to fail” at their home World Cup.
Entering the tournament as favourites, England’s World Cup dream appears to be in tatters following defeats to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia which have left their semi-final hopes in the balance.
Ahead of their crunch game with India at Edgbaston on Sunday, Bairstow has come out swinging in response to comments in the media, namely by Kevin Pietersen and Michael Vaughan.
“People are waiting for us to fail,” the 29-year-old said. “They are not willing us on to win. In many ways they are waiting for you to lose so they can jump on your throat.
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Michael Vaughan told BBC Radio 5 Live this could be England’s worst ever World Cup[/caption]
“It’s just showbiz, they are paid to have an opinion and if they don’t have an opinion they get sacked. Everyone is talking like we are eighth or ninth in the table. Chill out, you’re (the media) panicking.
“The comments and things like that, you can give it too much air time and then all of a sudden, before you know it, it’s a big thing and it’s actually really not.”
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Bairstow maintains that England will stick to their attacking brand of cricket despite games against India and New Zealand, who they haven’t beaten at a World Cup since 1992.
