Jonny Bairstow is far from ready to accept any notion that he’s become a forgotten figure in English cricket, according to his coach at Yorkshire, Anthony McGrath. Despite being pushed out of England’s team across all formats last year, Bairstow’s central contract, valid until October, indicates he’s not stepping back from international aspirations.
Although it’s been nearly eight months since Bairstow last donned the England jersey, a glimmer of opportunity presented itself when Jacob Bethell sustained an injury prior to the Champions Trophy. Even with England’s challenging stint in India, the selectors opted for Tom Banton, another wicketkeeper-batter, over Bairstow, leaving him out of the spotlight for now.
At 35, Bairstow knows the clock is ticking to reclaim his spot. However, his reputation as one of the most dedicated cricketers keeps him motivated to return and shine on the international stage. McGrath’s debut season at Headingley would greatly benefit from the presence of Bairstow’s extensive experience, and the player himself hasn’t abandoned hopes of wearing the England colors again.
Regarding Bairstow’s potential impact, McGrath shared, “Jonny’s presence with Yorkshire would be transformative. His influence on and off the field is remarkable, but his sights are still set firmly on England. He’s determined to reunite not to prove anyone wrong, but to showcase his capabilities at the top level again. It’s still at the forefront of his ambitions, and my role is to support him in achieving that.”
Currently, Bairstow is playing with the Joburg Super Kings in South Africa’s SA20 league, though his next move remains uncertain. A shift in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s policy on overseas leagues blocked his intended participation in the Pakistan Super League. Missing out on this opportunity, coupled with his absence from England’s team, has understandably left Bairstow frustrated. Nevertheless, he still hopes he might catch a break as a replacement in the Indian Premier League, a tournament with special considerations from the ECB.
If the IPL call-up doesn’t happen, Bairstow might find himself leading Yorkshire’s charge in the County Championship’s Division One, bolstering his case with strong first-class performances. McGrath highlighted the evolving situation, saying, “Jonny’s not with the IPL right now, but injuries can change things quickly. If he joins us, it would be huge for Yorkshire.”
Being deeply rooted in Yorkshire’s history, playing for them holds tremendous value for Bairstow. McGrath added, “Whatever decision follows his international career, akin to Sir Alastair Cook’s transition, we would welcome more time with him. Jonny’s still relatively young and has plenty of options ahead.”
