Bairstow’s controversial dismissal in the second Test at Lord’s has dominated discussions, overshadowing Australia’s victory. Root believes that Bairstow performs exceptionally well when he is fired up or when he feels the need to prove himself.
“Jonny thrives off things like this,” Root, who hails from the same county as Bairstow (Yorkshire), commented. “I’m sure he will want to entertain the local crowd. I think it is set up nicely for him, but you have still got to go and do it.”
Bairstow was stumped when he left his crease, mistakenly assuming that the ball was dead and the over had ended, resulting in controversy.
Root emphasized that England would have retracted the appeal if the roles were reversed. The aftermath of the incident even prompted comments from the prime ministers of both countries.
“I don’t think he took it great,” Root added. “I don’t think anyone would, to be honest. He felt a bit hard done by. I don’t think anyone will be leaving their crease this week.”
Bairstow has a history of responding well to criticism. In the 2019 World Cup, he answered his detractors by scoring centuries against India and New Zealand.
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He passionately expressed his emotions and defended himself after being criticized for sustaining an injury following a century in Sri Lanka in 2018. Additionally, when he received a sledge from Virat Kohli, Bairstow erupted with a remarkable century against India last year.
“It brought the best out of him,” Root remarked. “Let’s hope it happens again. You can bet your bottom dollar he will have the bit between his teeth.”