England dropped Jonny Bairstow ahead of the upcoming Test Series against the West Indies. Surrey’s Jamie Smith has replaced the Yorkshireman who has been a prominent figure for Captain Ben Stokes.
However, given that England is rebuilding across all three formats, it could be the end of the road for Bairstow.
Stokes and Rob Key drop Bairstow
Rumours began to surface early last week that Jonny Bairstow was set to be dropped from England’s upcoming series against the West Indies. The Yorkshireman struggled in last year’s Ashes with a series of poor wicketkeeping and mediocre batting. Consequently, during the Tour of India at the start of the year, Bairstow lost the wicket-keeping gloves to Ben Foakes. That didn’t make any difference as Bairstow struggled with the bat, making a highest score of 39 across ten innings.
Given how ruthless Ben Stokes, Rob Key, and head coach Brendon McCullum are, Bairstow was always going to struggle to retain his place on the side. When Stokes was first appointed captain, Bairstow was primarily used as a specialist batsman, with Ben Foakes taking the gloves. That appeared to be an inspired decision as Bairstow racked up 996 runs across eight innings.
Whilst being in the form of his career, Bairstow suffered agony. A leg break sustained whilst playing golf ruled him out for several months. During that time, Harry Brook replaced Bairstow in the squad, and the youngster won the Wisden Awards and scored three hundred in consecutive games.
Since returning to cricket, Bairstow has struggled to regain his form. With Stokes and McCullum looking ahead to the Ashes in Australia next year, the need to introduce younger players to the setup is vital for England. James Anderson retiring after the first test and Stuart Broad retiring last year shows how ruthless the England coaches are.
What Does Jamie Smith Bring to England?
Jamie Smith has been selected ahead of both Bairstow and teammate Ben Foakes. The Surrey player has shone for his side as they look to win their third consecutive County Championship Title. Smith’s form has been vital for Surrey’s defence, with an average of 40 so far this season. In terms of Smith’s skills, he is a more dynamic and aggressive player than Bairstow.
Whilst Foakes may be the best wicketkeeper in the world, England prefers Smith. The main reason is Smith’s positive play, which has been ever-present in Stokes’ reign as captain. Smith has been batting at five for Surrey this season; he is expected to bat at seven for England. It is an unusual move, but with Harry Brook a sure starter at five, Smith will move down the order.
Bairstow is able to play the attacking role Stokes wants, but England wants to move on. While Foakes has had the gloves for Surrey this season so far, Smith is expected to play primarily as a wicket-keeper batsman.
Rebuild required for England in all three Formats
After the disastrous few months England has suffered in white-ball cricket, a massive rebuild is required. Experienced players like Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, and Chris Jordan are expected to retire or be removed from the sidelines. It is the first time since 2019 that England doesn’t have a trophy in white-ball cricket.
With Bairstow being 35 already, it is widely expected that he will be removed from the England setup altogether as the Three Lions look to rebuild. Exciting young prospects and emerging talents such as Jamie Smith and Rehan Ahmed are expected to be given an extended run in the side. Jonny Bairstow has struggled to perform at both the ODI and T20 World Cups, and the Yorkshireman is unable to repeat his 2019 heroics.
Since his return to the side, Bairstow’s batting has lacked fluidity and consistency. While some fans would want Bairstow to be part of the side, England needs to give younger talent the chance to play for England.
With the Ashes next year in Australia, Stokes is making key decisions early. Bairstow’s omission is a statement to County Championship players. If players like Smith and Dillon Pennington are picked on their form, then competition for places across the county game increases.
Is Bairstow’s England career over? Comment below
