England batting wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow returned to the crease for Yorkshire for the first time in eight months. With his timely comeback, England has received a major boost ahead of the upcoming Ashes Test series. Bairstow came on for the Yorkshire second team against Nottinghamshire in what was his first hit since breaking his leg last September, and the 33-year-old looked comfortable as he put together a consistent 97 at Headingley.
The right-hander hit 13 fours and two huge sixes during his 88-ball stay as Yorkshire finished the opening day of the four-day match with a strong position at 437/7.
“Once he got going he looked like he had never left,” Yorkshire Second XI coach Tom Smith said after the game, as quoted by ICC.
“Watching him towards the end, the way he plays the late cut, the way he hits the ball, the way he played the spinner, one shot over extra cover showed that international class.”
Bairstow was in the best shape of his career until his golf accident last September. The veteran had worked for his country for six centuries and was instrumental in England’s renaissance under new coach Brendon McCullum.
The unfortunate leg injury paved the way for young gun Harry Brook to get his chance at Test level and the right-hander took the opportunity by compiling four centuries from six Test matches.
But Bairstow is in contention to reclaim his spot in England’s Test XI this summer if his return from injury proves successful, although he may have to do so under the guise of wicket-keeper.
It is believed Bairstow will spend some time in the gloves during Nottinghamshire’s innings and the veteran could be lined up to replace incumbent keeper Ben Foakes during a busy upcoming schedule.
Bairstow are expected to line up for Yorkshire’s first XI next week, while the one-off Test against Ireland in early June precedes the highly anticipated five-game Ashes series at home to Australia.
Bairstow was England’s only century-maker during their disastrous 4-0 Ashes defeat to Australia early last year, with his innings in Sydney starting his eight-month purple form right up to his leg injury.
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