England vs Sri Lanka: 'It's a pinch-yourself moment' says Jonny Bairstow after ton at Lord's

Wicketkeeper delighted to get on the famous honours board

Jonny Bairstow opens the shoulders on the way to his hundred at Lord's (Getty)

Jonny Bairstow said his first century here at Lord’s will live with him forever after he made a wonderful, if at times streaky, hundred which was the backbone of England’s batting on day one of the third Test against Sri Lanka.

The England wicketkeeper finished the day on 107 not out as he guided his side to 279 for 6 to continue his fine form in a sensational year in which he has already made two Test tons. Bairstow hit a thrilling 150 against South Africa over the winter and a 140 against Sri Lanka in this series’ first Test at Headingley.

“It’s been an amazing few weeks,” Bairstow said, “hopefully it can continue for many years to come. The ovation I was getting on 98, 99 and then when I got the hundred - it is something I’ll never forget. It’s a pinch-yourself moment that gave me goosebumps.”

It was also a monkey off his back having fallen for 95 at HQ back in 2012 against South Africa during a time when he was in and out of the team. “It was five runs that loomed over me,” he said safe in the knowledge his name will soon be etched on the famous centurions’ board. “There was speculation: ‘can he? can’t he?’ But hopefully I’ve put the record straight with the way I’m playing and the talk over my technique. I’m pleased with how I’m striking the ball and how I’m moving. To go one step further at a packed Lord’s is a special feeling.”

So how did it compare to reaching three figures on his home ground earlier in the summer? “It was completely different,” he said. “A Test hundred at home was very special in my heart. Dad payed there for so many years, mum works there, I played there for years as a boy. It is a different atmosphere at Lord’s, it is a superbly special place to play cricket. We are very fortunate and to join an illustrious group on that board is great. I’d like to move forward and I hope it’s not the only time I can get on the board.”

Bairstow had a healthy dollop of luck when on 11 when he was dropped at midwicket by Shaminda Eranga. It was the easiest of chances and the costliest of errors for the Sri Lankans. England’s wicketkeeper shrugged it off.

“Everyone drops catches,” he said. “It’s the nature of cricket, the way things go. Fortunately he put it down and I was happy to have an extended time in the middle. But there is a long way to go tomorrow.”

So what target do England have in mind? “I’ve no idea,” Bairstow said. “We could go out tomorrow and lose four for spit if there are clouds. Until both sides have batted who knows. If you get in, it can be a fantastic place to bat but we've got an attack that knows how to take wickets here at Lord’s. We are bowling well. Hopefully we can put them under pressure.”