Jonny Bairstow, the batting wicketkeeper for England, felt bad for Ben Foakes when Foakes had to make way for Bairstow. Bairstow is coming back to the team after being out with a broken leg and twisted ankle he got while playing golf last winter.
Foakes played well with the bat and behind the stumps for the Three Lions in Tests against Pakistan and New Zealand when Bairstow wasn’t there. But now that the Ashes and a one-off Test match against Ireland are coming up, he is not in the team. “Yes, and that’s just the way sports are. Bairstow told Sky Sports News, “He’s been a big part of the last year and how he’s done things.”
“It’s never easy, and I’ve been on the receiving end of it, so I definitely feel bad for Ben. I have no doubt that he will rejoin the group soon.”
“I’ve always said that as long as I have a chance of making the team, I just want to be out there supporting my country, whether I’m batting or keeping wicket. That’s what has been decided, and I’ll be out there doing my best,” Bairstow said.
The 33-year-old has been trying to get back into play with Yorkshire in both their second XI and County Championship. Now he is looking forward to the summer, when England will try to win the Ashes back from their old foes, Australia.
“It’s been great to get back out there with Yorkshire and play matches in the Championship. It’s great to be back outside, especially after a hard winter, and I’m really loving my cricket.
Bairstow also thought about the time he spent out of action while watching his national team play against the best cricketing nations.
When Bairstow thought back on his winter at home, he said, “You’re sitting on your sofa with your leg in a cast and some swelling, so it’s never easy.”
“But it was great to watch the boys win the T20 World Cup in Australia and the Test team do so well in Pakistan and New Zealand. It was a joy to watch,” said Bairstow.
