McCullum responded to media when they asked if Bairstow would play in his 99th test this week in Ranchi, saying, “I haven’t even seen the wicket.” But certainly, I would think Jonny would be playing.
Jonny Bairstow, an English batsman, has drawn criticism for his meagre 102 runs in three games in India. However, his coach, Brendon McCullum, has stated that he has faith in the batsman and that he will not be dropping him for the fourth test in Ranchi.
In the first game of the series in Hyderabad, Bairstow recorded his best score in the series so far 37. He was the player with the most ducks against India in test cricket, having been caught for a duck in his first innings and scoring four runs in England’s 434-run thumping in the third test at Rajkot.
Alastair Cook, a former captain of England, suggested that the 34-year-old should be removed from the team due to his batting difficulties, but McCullum is eager to assist him in finding his form again.
When reporters asked if Bairstow will play in his 99th test match this week in Ranchi, McCullum replied, “I haven’t even seen the wicket.” However, I would think Jonny would be participating, yeah.
While admitting that Bairstow had played poorly during the series, McCullum insisted that Bairstow deserved some time to correct his mistakes.
“He’s done so well for us and he’s had such an impactful career…,” McCullum remarked. “I’m not blind.”
“Thus, from our perspective, we need to continue encouraging him, help him tune out a lot of the outside world, and keep him genuinely present and concentrated on his goals. I have no doubt that Jonny will succeed.
“I’ll spend some time reiterating to Jonny how fantastic of a player he is.”
With the fourth test starting on Friday, India leads the five-match series 2-1.
