England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow faced heavy criticism from fans following a poor shot that led to his dismissal on the second day of the third Ashes Test.
After an impressive bowling performance by England on the first day, restricting Australia to a mediocre total, the hosts closed the day at 68/3 with Joe Root and Bairstow at the crease.
Unfortunately, Root was dismissed early on the second day, and England desperately needed Bairstow to make a significant contribution.
However, his dismissal for just 12 runs due to a reckless shot off Mitchell Starc left England reeling at 87/5, trailing Australia by a substantial margin.
Bairstow has been a subject of controversy since the previous Test, where he was involved in a contentious dismissal by Alex Carey, raising questions about the spirit of the game.
Moreover, his wicketkeeping skills have been heavily scrutinized, with numerous dropped catches throughout the series proving costly for the home side.
In addition to his struggles behind the stumps, Bairstow’s batting form has been disappointing in the first three Tests, averaging a mere 27.20 in five innings.
Prior to a leg injury last year, he was in fine form as a Test batsman. However, since his return in the one-off Test against Ireland, he has failed to regain his previous touch.
Backlash Ensues as Fans Slam Bairstow for Costly Dismissal in Ashes Test
Fans took to Twitter to express their frustrations with Bairstow’s recent performances.
Jonny Bairstow is struggling to find form as he has scored just one fifty in his last five Test innings.#JonnyBairstow #TheAshes #TestCricket #Cricket #Sky247 pic.twitter.com/NNUVobAqP4
— SOHAN (@sohanur0928) July 7, 2023
One of the main reasons why #England won't win #Ashes2023 is #Bairstow's poor wicketkeeping xnd dropping catches. #ENGvAUS #ENGvsAUS #EnglandCricket #Headingley #LeedsTest #JonnyBairstow
— G Krishnan (@gikkukrishnan) July 7, 2023
I'm afraid #JonnyBairstow is just not a test class keeper. Yes pick him for his batting and general fielding but not with the gloves. Bring back #Foakes. @bbctms
— Ian Fletcher đź’™ 🇪🇺 (@MedicFletch) July 7, 2023
How many more dropped catches and missed stumping chances will be required to drop #JonnyBairstow from the English cricket team?"#Ashes #ENGvsAUS
— Shubhism (@NagdeveShubham) July 7, 2023
What Did Smith Hear?#Cricket #AUSvENG #Ashes #SteveSmith #JonnyBairstow pic.twitter.com/t819e3IwCM
— CRICKETNMORE (@cricketnmore) July 7, 2023
Steve Smith exchanged some words with Jonny Bairstow after getting out in 3rd Test.#SteveSmith #JonnyBairstow #Ashes #Ashes2023 #TheAshes2023 #Ashes23 pic.twitter.com/SqnzgsZhfZ
— ARVIND SINGH RAJPUROHIT (@avraj1008) July 7, 2023
What Did Smith Hear?#Cricket #AUSvENG #Ashes #SteveSmith #JonnyBairstow pic.twitter.com/E6rZATfQ0c
— Jega8 (@imBK08) July 7, 2023
Jonny Bairstow's special send-off for Steve Smith after he got out.
The Ashes is heating up!!
📸: Sony LIV#CricTracker #JonnyBairstow #SteveSmith pic.twitter.com/3ftBu81bEx
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) July 7, 2023
Many called for him to be dropped in favor of a more reliable wicketkeeper like Ben Foakes.
The sentiment was echoed by former England captain Michael Vaughan, who criticized Bairstow’s wicketkeeping struggles, citing missed opportunities that have cost the team dearly.
The contrasting performances of Bairstow and Australian keeper Alex Carey have only magnified the scrutiny.
Carey’s excellent keeping has been instrumental in Australia’s 2-0 lead in the series, leading experts to emphasize the importance of sharp catching in the contest.
As the match progressed, England found themselves in a precarious position, reaching lunch on Day 2 at 142/7, still trailing Australia’s first-innings total by 121 runs.
Bairstow’s dismissal added to the team’s woes and left fans frustrated with his lackluster contributions throughout the series.
The pressure is mounting on Bairstow to improve both his batting and wicketkeeping performances.
England’s chances of staging a comeback in the Ashes series are diminishing, and they will need a collective effort from all players, including Bairstow, to turn their fortunes around.
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