England head coach Brendon McCullum has backed under-fire Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root to come good in the fourth Test match against India at Ranchi. Both the right-handers have failed to deliver the goods in the first three Test matches of the series.
While Root has managed only 77 runs in the first three Test matches at an average of 12.83, Bairstow has scored 102 runs in three matches at an average of 17. However, the former New Zealand captain has said they will continue to back Bairstow despite his low returns.
“I haven’t even seen the wicket in Ranchi but I’d anticipate Jonny would be playing,” McCullum told reporters.
“He’s not scored the volume of runs he would have wanted and a couple of times he’s got out kind of mildly for someone who’s got the power game Jonny’s got. I don’t have concerns over him.”
“We know that a top-quality Jonny Bairstow is as good as anyone in any conditions. So from our point of view, we’ve got to keep on giving him confidence and block out a lot of the external noise; keep him really present and focused on what he’s trying to achieve and I’m sure Jonny will come good.
“We’re a long way from home and India can be a tough place to tour – anywhere can be. I will spend a bit of time with Jonny and remind him that he’s such a wonderful player. And not because you’re trying to get a performance but because he’s a good bloke and you want to make sure he’s enjoying himself. Whatever happens, results-wise happens.”
On the other hand, Joe Root’s shot selection has come under the scanner as he was dismissed while playing the ramp shot in the first innings at Rajkot against Jasprit Bumrah.
“It’s Joe Root, crikey. I mean, seriously? The law of averages suggests he’ll fill his boots in the next two,” said McCullum.
“I think he’s averaged about 50 with that shot (previously 60, now 30), plus what’s happened after he’s played that shot previously. He’s got out twice doing it. You can get nicked off defending one or trying to drive one through the leg side. I don’t know if it is as high risk shot in the modern game as what it appears in the previous game.
India and England will next take on each other at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi in the fourth Test match from Friday.
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