Jonny Bairstow reveals sympathy for Ben Foakes after England Test omission
Bairstow has a huge amount of sympathy for Foakes after he was dropped by England
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jonny Bairstow said he feels sympathy towards fellow wicketkeeper Ben Foakes after he was left out of the England test squad for the Ashes warm-up against Ireland.
Foakes was dropped to accommodate keeper-batsman Bairstow, who scored six centuries in 2022 before suffering a leg injury in September that kept him out of the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia.
In Bairstow’s absence, Foakes established himself as first choice behind the stumps under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes during the team’s streak of 10 victories in 12 tests.
“I’ve been in that same position previously around getting dropped so I’ve got a huge amount of sympathy for Ben (Foakes) and for anyone really who gets dropped,” Bairstow, who last kept wicket for England in a test in 2021, told the BBC on Wednesday.
“He’ll be back I’m sure because in the last 12 months he’s been a big part of what we’ve been about, he’s been a big part of the group.
Fit-again Jonny Bairstow ‘buzzing’ to return to England squad after ‘dark times’
England make ‘seriously tough decision’ over Jonny Bairstow ahead of Ashes
Jonny Bairstow comes close to a century on his return to action after injury- Jonny Bairstow taking next step in injury recovery this week ahead of Ashes
“It’s never an easy decision and never a position you want to be in.”
Former captain Michael Atherton supported the England board’s decision to pick Bairstow over Foakes.
“My own view is that Bairstow is more likely to help England win a match with bat than lose it with gloves. He would be my choice,” Atherton wrote in his column for The Times newspaper.
“It is not hard to imagine the destruction he might cause, coming in at number seven against an old ball and a tiring attack.”
England will face Ireland at Lord’s on June 1 before the five-test Ashes series against Australia begins at Edgbaston on June 16.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments