Jonny Bairstow: “I am trying to play in all forms for as long as possible”
Jonny Bairstow: “I am trying to play in all forms for as long as possible”
Jonny Bairstow, an English batsman, claims that he wants to play in all three formats of the game “as often as possible” despite Ben Stokes’ recent departure from One Day International cricket. The game was stressing and demanded more than he could give, Stokes mentioned during his departure.
Speaking to Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton, Bairstow said he looks forward to continuing as one of the team’s final “all-format” players for a time.
Naturally there are challenges, we have seen it over time,” Bairstow said.
“We only have to look at Tests this summer where there was an ODI team in Netherlands at the same time. Even at the end of this summer, Pakistan has seven T20s that overlap to a great extent. Will play the last Test match [against South Africa].
“But you know me very well that I am trying to play in all forms for as long as possible.
“I am going out as long as I can. There may come a time that, for various reasons, you have to make a decision but it is part of life and an integral part of cricket.
“In the near future, I don’t see myself being chosen. I love being a part of all three formats.”
With fears that bilateral series could be at risk, especially in a 50-over game, Bairstow insisted that he still loves the format – and is only looking at the “rollercoaster” of T20 cricket. warned about the risks to young players.
Jonny Bairstow said, ‘I think it’s a really good format. “The journey we have gone on as a group to [win] the 2019 World Cup was amazing.
“I also think that 50-over cricket is in some ways a step forward in Test cricket. You have to work longer hours, you have to come out of tough times sometimes and play good cricket shots. In between. The overs, especially, are very much liked.”
“But, everything comes from your core technique, which you learn in four-day cricket – and then you expand from that.
“Look at [Joe] Root, for example, his technique is brilliant and then he takes it from Test cricket to 50-over cricket, to T20 cricket … and everything he does is part of his game.
“I think if you try to just look at T20 cricket, it can be difficult in some ways because it is a rollercoaster that can go by very quickly.
“Your bread and butter is your four-day cricket, your 50-over cricket and then your T20 cricket, make an impact in that and then go ahead and enable you to have more longevity in it.”