Ashes 2023: [WATCH] Jonny Bairstow Missed A Straightforward Catch, Giving Travis Head A Second Chance

During the third Ashes Test in 2023, Jonny Bairstow continued to struggle behind the stumps as he dropped a straightforward catch, granting Travis Head a second chance at Headingley.

England had devised a plan for attacking Head with bouncers aimed at his body, employing a short leg fielder.

Implementing this strategy, Ben Stokes brought in Mark Wood, who delivered a rapid 91 mph (146.45 kph) bouncer that hurried Head, resulting in a faint edge towards Bairstow’s right.

You can watch the video here:

Another catch left by Jhonny bairstow #Bairstow pic.twitter.com/3gkbCjeLk9

— Hammad Nasrullah (@HammadNasrulla2) July 6, 2023

Although Bairstow positioned himself correctly and moved accordingly, he failed to hold on to the catch due to his firm grip on the ball.

Interestingly, despite a clear deflection from the bat, umpire Nitin Menon gave it as byes, indicating that the runs were not credited to Head.

Despite Jonny Bairstow’s two dropped catches, England maintains the advantage

jonny bairstow droped Steve Smith at 4.#Ashes23#Bazballhttps://t.co/pzjTsKY2rK

— Yr Samar (@Yrtweets) July 6, 2023

This marked Bairstow’s second drop in the session. In an earlier over, Ollie Robinson had induced an inside edge from Steve Smith, causing the ball to fly towards Bairstow’s left. Although this chance was much more challenging, Bairstow executed a perfectly timed dive but was unable to maintain control of the ball.

Despite Bairstow’s mistakes, England managed to contain Australia to a score of 91/4 in the first session, minimizing the impact of the dropped catches. Shortly after Head’s drop, Stuart Broad claimed Smith’s wicket at 22, adding to his earlier dismissal of David Warner in the first over.

Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne also fell victim to excellent bowling performances from Wood and Chris Woakes, respectively. Both Wood and Woakes had been selected as replacements for James Anderson and Josh Tongue in this Test.

Wood, in particular, displayed a remarkable pace during the session and could pose a further threat to Australia after the lunch break.  Mitchell Marsh was at the crease alongside Head, who seemed uncomfortable at the moment.

Despite Jonny Bairstow’s double drop, England maintained the upper hand in the game.

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