Johnny Bairstow in both the ODI matches against India has looked in ominous batting form. The England opener missed his century in the first ODI when he was dismissed in the nervous 90s. However, Bairstow was determined in a must-win match for England in the ODI series and punished Indian bowlers in the run chase. He finally notched up a century and silenced all his critics including Sunil Gavaskar who doubted him during the Test series.
After Bairstow had scored a pair in the 3rd Test against India at Ahmedabad, Gavaskar openly scrutinised Bairstow and pointed out that he just looks ‘disinterested’. Gavaskar was frustrated with the way Bairstow gifted his wicket away to India so many time in the Test series by batting at the crucial number 3 spot.
“You have not scored a run, and just come in and pushed at it, as if there was no fielder at backward short leg. It looked to me as if it was the shot of a person uninterested. What’s he trying to do? The first ball, he should be looking to play a soft defensive shot. There is a fielder there at backward short leg. Uninterested”, Gavaskar had said.
Johnny Bairstow Hits Back At Sunil Gavaskar
Meanwhile, after his brilliant century, Bairstow replying to Gavaskar’s comments he took a dig at the legendary former cricketer. Bairstow stated that he wasn’t aware of his statements but if he wants to criticise he can anytime message or call him so he can personally tell him how passionate he is to do well in Test cricket.
“First of all, no, I hadn’t heard that and secondly, I am interested as to how opinion can have been made especially when there has been no correspondence and communication between myself and him”, said Jonny Bairstow during the virtual press conference.
“So, he is more than welcome to give me a ring and I will speak to him about my will to do well in Test cricket and the enjoyment I do get out of playing Test cricket. As I said, my phone is on. If he wants, he can call or message me”, he added.
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