England batsman Jonny Bairstow, who was in the middle of a major controversy at Ashes when he was controversially stunned at Lord’s, played a whirlwind 99 not off just 81 balls on Friday, helping England to a massive 592 all-out in their first innings. The 33-year-old Yorkshireman, who beat Australia’s bowlers for 10 fours and four sixes on Friday, was equally dismissive of suggestions that he is at his best when he has something to prove.
“Everyone thinks I play better when people try me,” said Bairstow, who became the seventh batsman in Test history to be stranded on 99 not out when last man James Anderson was lbw to Cameron Green.
Later, Bairstow was not at all amused when a reporter kept asking him about the incident at Lord’s.
a reporter asked“We haven’t spoken to you since everything that happened at Lord’s.”
Bairstow: “I have no comment on it.”
Journalist: “Nothing at all.”
Bairstow: “No”
Journalist: “But you have not felt that you have been wronged?”
Bairstow: “Like I said, I have no comment.”
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Australian century maker Marnus Labuschagne fell to Joe Root before the rain returned to frustrate England’s hopes of forcing a series-leveling victory in the fourth Ashes Test.
During the fourth day at Old Trafford, only 30 overs had been bowled when the wet weather returned during the revised tea break.
The game was officially suspended for the day at 1727 GMT.
Australia are 214-5 in their second innings, still 61 runs behind England, who scored 592 in their first innings.
Labuschagne was the only Australian batsman to lose his wicket on Saturday, but not before keeping England at bay with an innings run of 111 – his highest score in an overseas Test.
With AFP inputs
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