Jonny Bairstow is determined to reclaim his place in the England squad, emphasizing that it would be “stupid” not to push for a recall. The 35-year-old batter, who has been absent from international cricket since England’s T20 World Cup semi-final loss to India, is banking on a strong domestic season with Yorkshire to prove his worth.
Bairstow’s Nine-Month Absence from England
Bairstow last donned the England jersey in June 2024, marking nine months since his exclusion from the Test side following a disappointing tour of India. His axing came despite earning his 100th cap in the fifth Test at Dharamshala, and since then, England has opted for other wicketkeeper-batters, including Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, and Ollie Pope.
Despite being under an ECB central contract until October 2025, Bairstow has found himself on the sidelines. He refrained from discussing direct conversations with coach Brendon McCullum or director Rob Key but remains confident about his chances.
Key Player in England’s Bazball Era
Bairstow played a crucial role in England’s sensational summer of 2022, where his aggressive stroke play epitomized the Bazball approach under McCullum and Ben Stokes. His four centuries in five innings, including match-winning knocks against India at Headingley, solidified his status as a key player.
However, his golden run was halted by a severe leg injury that ruled him out of England’s 2022 T20 World Cup triumph, the final Test against South Africa, and tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.
Proving His Worth Again
With England set to host India for a five-Test series this summer, followed by the Ashes in Australia, Bairstow believes his record against these teams makes a strong case for his selection. He pointed out his centuries on England’s last two tours of Australia and his solid performances against India at home.
For now, his focus remains on Yorkshire’s return to Division One of the County Championship, where he is expected to play alongside Joe Root and Harry Brook before England’s first Test against Zimbabwe on May 22.
Yorkshire Captaincy on the Horizon?
Reports from The Daily Mail suggest that Bairstow is set to take over as Yorkshire’s red-ball captain, filling the vacancy left by Shan Masood, who recently moved to Leicestershire. The delay in confirming the appointment is believed to be due to Bairstow’s potential IPL and PSL commitments.
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