Jonny Bairstow seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman of England has learned to accept criticism as part of the game and is not reluctant to speak up when required. There were doubts about his spot in the XI with guys like Sam Curran on the bench.
Bairstow proved the critics wrong and showed his class being the reason to be a part of the team with 31 runs from 18 balls knock against Namibia in a rain disturbed match. This knock helped his team England to post 122 runs in given 10 overs.
What Jonny Bairstow Said
Jonny Bairstow spoke to the reporters after the match and said to IANS,
“It’s not the first time that people have had a go at me, is it? So yeah, you take it on the chin, and you crack on. But look, at the end of the day, there’s a reason why I’ve played for so long, and there’s a reason why I’m in the team.
“So maybe sometimes the opinions and the views that come through certain people’s eyes are incorrect and maybe need to look at themselves.”
Bairstow’s steady performance along with Harry Brook’s 47 off 20 made the difference between the two sides and England won comfortably as Namibia crumbled for 84/3.
Jonny Bairstow’s Role in Middle-Order in T20 World Cup
Jonny Bairstow is arguably best opener in T20 cricket and the decision of him to bat at No. 3 or No. 4 certainly raised some eyebrows. But Bairstow is confident in his ability to adapt to any role the team requires and is eager to form more impactful partnerships with Harry Brook in the future.
He spoke on the matter,
“You go out there and you perform in the positions that you’re asked to do so. That partnership in the middle there, like I said, after losing two early on was an imperative partnership and something that, look, if Harry and I can bat for a period of time through the middle, there’s going to be some decent scores.”
With Scotland losing the last group game against Australia England with a better run rate qualified in the Super 8s from Group B.