Former Australian skipper expects England to persist with Jonny Bairstow in second Ashes test

Former Australian cricketer Tim Paine believes that England will not drop wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow for the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, despite his struggles behind the stumps. England faced a narrow two-wicket defeat against Australia in the opening Test at Edgbaston, where Bairstow scored 78 runs but had difficulties with his keeping.

Bairstow’s first-innings knock of 78 provided a valuable contribution to England’s total, but he missed several stumping and catching opportunities during Australia’s innings. In the second innings, he struggled with the bat, managing only 20 runs.

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When asked if England would reconsider Bairstow’s role as the keeper-batsman in the second Test, Paine stated that England has fostered an environment of support and security for their team over time. He expressed his belief that coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes would not exclude Bairstow based on one poor Test match.

Paine further opined that England would back Bairstow due to their awareness of his dangerous batting skills. Despite his keeping struggles, Bairstow’s destructive abilities with the bat and his recent return from a significant injury break make him an integral part of the team’s desired style of play.