England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow has reflected on the challenging period he faced in September 2022, describing it as some of his “dark days.” Jonny Bairstow suffered a serious injury when he broke his left leg and dislocated his left ankle after slipping while playing golf.
The injury ruled Jonny Bairstow out of the T20 World Cup in 2022, despite being named in the squad. It also forced him to take a months-long break from his Test career, just as he was gaining momentum after being named the Test cricketer of the year.
I wondered what I had done to deserve it- Jonny Bairstow on his Injury
Ahead of his 100th Test against India in Dharamshala, Jonny Bairstow spoke to The Telegraph, describing his injury and recovery as his “greatest challenge” so far. He revealed that while the doctors initially informed him that the injury was severe, they did not mention that it could potentially end his career until he pushed himself to recover.
“To get back from that, to get through six Test matches keeping wicket and batting as I did [last summer], just a few months after that injury. I know people will talk about how I performed, they can do that. But I was so proud to do that. I didn’t know if I was going to make it back,”
Bairstow added,
“There were some dark days that winter. That whole journey was horrible, but Megan was amazing. To have been playing so well, to do something playing golf, walking down a bank, so innocently. To get injured so badly that it puts you out for that long. I questioned myself a lot at that time. I wondered what I had done to deserve it,”
I needed to get over my demons- Jonny Bairstow
Bairstow mentioned that he went back to the spot where he suffered his injury to overcome the fear associated with it.
“I walked straight past that spot and down a slightly less steep bank. I needed to get over my demons before I can get closer,” he concluded.
After averaging 66.31 in 2022, Jonny Bairstow’s performance dipped slightly as he scored 322 runs at an average of 40.25 in 2023. However, in 2024, he has struggled with his form, managing just 170 runs at an average of 21.25 so far.
It’s going to be an emotional week- Jonny Bairstow
Bairstow reminisced about his childhood, mentioning that he grew up watching highlights of Test cricket, specifically “not One-Day cricket.” He shared that after returning from school, he would watch these highlights and learn from the greats of English cricket.
“To now become part of an amazing group of players who have played 100 Tests for England is very exciting. So many of that list are heroes of mine. You want to leave the game in a better place for the next person who comes through, and provide memories for fans. It’s going to be an emotional week. I want to enjoy the occasion, and try to put on a show with the lads for the amazing fans that follow us around the world,” he said.
Jonny Bairstow will become the 17th player from England to achieve the milestone of playing 100 Test matches. England Skipper Ben Stokes achieved this feat a couple of weeks ago during the 4th Test between India and England.
Also Read: https://goworldwide.co.in/michael-vaughan-on-jonny-bairstows-future/