Clearly, Jonny Bairstow is not ready to give up on his England career just yet. Though out of the national team for nine months, the 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is resolved to fight his way back into contention. Having last seen England in the T20 World Cup semi-final against India in November 2023, he has been excluded in both red and white-ball cricket since then. However, much like a determined player striving for a comeback, fans eagerly look for opportunities such as Billy 777 login to stay engaged with the game.
Speaking at Yorkshire's preseason media day, Bairstow acknowledged that his first aim is still to get an England recall. He thinks he still has a reasonable chance of making a comeback, given that he puts on runs for Yorkshire this season and a central contract remains in place until October.
Bairstow's Omission and England's Wicket-Keeping Puzzle
Bairstow missed the Test side following England's 4-1 loss in India last year, where he picked his 100th cap in the last Test at Dharamshala. England have tested several wicketkeepers since then, notably Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, and Ollie Robinson.
Phil Salt succeeded Jos Buttler as the main keeper in white-ball cricket, only for Smith to subsequently take over for the Champions Trophy. Bairstow finds himself on the periphery, looking in among intense competition.
Bairstow stayed quiet when asked about his conversations with head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key from England, but he believed that a return is still feasible.
"Yes, because I'm still contracted," Bairstow responded.
"I would be crazy not to [demand for a recall]. Everything is meant to be used to try to play for England so that the group will have challenges all around. Everybody wants to keep on doing it.
Stellar 2022 and Injury Setback: Bairstow
Crucially involved in the early success of the "Bazball" era under McCullum and Ben Stokes, Bairstow was a major player in England's astonishing 2022 summer. His four centuries in five innings, with twin hundreds against India at Headingley, demonstrated his destructive batting power.
Later that year, a strange leg injury sidelined him for several months, so he missed the T20 World Cup victory in Australia. His comeback in the Ashes in 2023 received mixed reviews; later, a decline in form resulted in his ultimate axing.
"It was just mentioned around form, really," Bairstow remarked about his absence. "That is obviously subjective; people's opinions and what have you—and that is fine."
Demonstrating His Value: An Excellent Record Against Australia and India
Bairstow thinks his past performances against these rivals will help him, as India is visiting England for a five-Test series this summer and then an Ashes series in Australia later in the year.
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Against India: Bairstow was spectacular in the penultimate home series (2021–22), striking a century at Headingley.
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Against Australia: Having hundreds on his last two trips Down Under, he has a great record in Ashes battles.
"This is clearly a big summer with India then ustralia approaching," Bairstow added. "My stats against those two teams—particularly in Australia and England—have been decent. I wasn't so awful when India visited here last. We will wait to find out.
Focus on Yorkshire: County Cricket and Captaincy
Bairstow's priority is Yorkshire, which has been elevated back to County Championship Division One before any possible return from England. Reports indicate he may replace Shan Masood, who moved to Leicestershire, as red-ball captain.
For Bairstow, who had late father David captained Yorkshire between 1984 and 1986, the position would have particular importance. However, his possible participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the IPL has postponed a formal declaration.
"First and most importantly, my job is to focus on Yorkshire and ensure we start the year off right," Bairstow added. "I will let the rest look after itself."
Finally, the path back to England
Though Jonny Bairstow's return to the England team will not be simple, his will is unflinching. Given his past performance in high-stress series, he might force his way back into contention with a great county season.
His priorities right now are guiding Yorkshire and scoring significantly in the County Championship. Whether England's choice provides him with another chance will rely on his performance; one thing is certain: Bairstow isn't ready to walk away just yet.
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