Jonny Bairstow

Jonathan Marc Bairstow, born on 26th September 1989, is a prominent English cricketer known for his versatile skills across all international formats. Representing England on the global cricket stage, Bairstow also plays a significant role in domestic cricket, notably for Yorkshire. His cricketing journey extends to various Twenty20 leagues, including notable stints with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Bairstow marked his entry into international cricket with debuts in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in 2011, followed by his Test debut in 2012. Notably, he was a pivotal member of the England squad that secured victory in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, showcasing his prowess on the grandest stage.

Known for his role as a right-handed Wicketkeeping Batter, Bairstow has formed cricketing partnerships that etched their place in history. Teaming up with Ben Stokes, he holds the world record for the highest sixth-wicket stand in Tests, achieving a remarkable 399 against South Africa during England's 2015-16 tour.

Bairstow's contribution to English cricket is characterized by his consistency and ability to perform under pressure, making him a valuable asset for both his national team and the franchises he represents in various T20 leagues.

Personal Life

Family Background: Jonny Bairstow was born on September 26, 1989, in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. He comes from a family with a strong cricketing heritage. His father, David Bairstow, was a former Yorkshire and England wicket-keeper. Jonny's early affinity for cricket and subsequent success in the sport is influenced by the rich cricketing background of his family.

Siblings: Jonny Bairstow has a younger half-brother named Andrew Bairstow, who has also been involved in cricket and made a mark as a player for Derbyshire.

Early Life

Jonathan Marc Bairstow entered the world on 26th September 1989 in Bradford, West Yorkshire. He holds the distinction of being the second son of the esteemed former Yorkshire and England wicket-keeper, David Bairstow. Additionally, he is the younger half-brother of Andrew Bairstow, who made his mark as a player for Derbyshire.

Jonathan's early affinity for cricket became evident as he showcased remarkable talent, earning him the honor of being the inaugural recipient of the Young Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year award. This recognition was a result of his outstanding performance in 2007, where he amassed an impressive 654 runs while representing St Peter's School.

Beyond the cricket pitch, Bairstow's athletic prowess extended to the field of football. He was a part of the Leeds United youth football team, demonstrating his versatility and skills across multiple sports during his formative years. The rich sporting heritage within his family, coupled with his early achievements, set the stage for Jonathan Bairstow's illustrious cricketing career.

Early Career

During the 2008 season, Jonathan Bairstow laid the foundation for his cricketing journey by showcasing his skills in second-XI cricket for Yorkshire. In six championship matches, he left an indelible mark, amassing 308 runs with an impressive average of 61.60.

Although he was on the brink of making his debut in the first-team squad for the final County Championship match against Sussex, fate didn't grant him a spot in the starting eleven. However, this setback did not deter his commitment to Yorkshire, as he signed a two-year contract with the county.

The subsequent year, 2009, witnessed Bairstow's ascent to the first-team match against Somerset after a stellar performance of 202 not out against Leicestershire seconds in second-XI cricket.

Making his first-class debut, he displayed his batting prowess by top-scoring in the second innings with an unbeaten 82. In a testament to his versatility, he also took over wicketkeeping duties from an injured Gerard Brophy, showcasing not only his batting but also his skills behind the stumps with four catches.

In 2010, Bairstow solidified his position in the Yorkshire team, featuring in 16 first-class matches and accumulating 918 runs. Despite an average of over 40 for the second consecutive season, he fell short of converting fifties into a maiden century. Nevertheless, his consistent performances caught the eye, earning him a coveted spot in the England Performance Programme squad for the tour of Australia in 2010/11.

The 2011 season marked a turning point as Bairstow embraced the wicketkeeping role. His impact with the bat was significant, notching his first century against Nottinghamshire in May, concluding with an impressive 205 runs. As the sole Yorkshire batter to surpass 1000 runs that season, his exceptional form led to a call-up to the England one-day squad, cementing Jonathan Bairstow's status as a rising star in English cricket.

International Career

Breaking into the ODI and T20I Teams - Initial stages of his career

Jonathan Bairstow's journey into the international cricket arena commenced with his inclusion in the England ODI squad for the match against Ireland in August 2011, although he did not feature in the playing XI.

His debut came the following month in the final ODI against India. Playing as a specialist batter, he made a memorable entrance by scoring an unbeaten 41 off just 21 balls, aiding England in reaching a Duckworth-Lewis adjusted total. Bairstow's innings included three sixes, the first of which came off the fifth ball he faced, earning him the Man of the Match accolade.

On October 11, 2011, Bairstow left a lasting impression by hitting a century off 53 balls as England triumphed over a Hyderabad Cricket Association XI in a warm-up game for a series against India.

Further solidifying his presence in the T20 format, Bairstow was named the Man of the Match on February 25, 2012, in the second T20 of the series between Pakistan and England at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which England won.

His successful start to the 2012 season, marked by scoring two centuries for Yorkshire, earned him a place in the England squad for the first Test against the West Indies at Lord's. The absence of Ravi Bopara due to injury opened the door for Bairstow's test debut.

Notably, Geoff Boycott, a close family friend and former Yorkshire and England cricketer, had the honor of presenting Bairstow with his Test cap, marking a significant and emotional moment in his burgeoning international career.

Test Debut and Early Test Performances:

Jonathan Bairstow's initiation into Test cricket occurred in the 1st Test against the West Indies at Lord's. In his debut match, he showcased his fielding skills by catching Marlon Samuels for 31 runs.

As the Number 6 batter in England's 1st innings, Bairstow contributed 16 runs off 27 balls, including three fours, before being dismissed by an LBW bowled by Kemar Roach. Despite a relatively modest start, Bairstow concluded the series on a positive note as England clinched it 2-0, with his overall score standing at 38 runs.

For the initial two Tests of the 2012 South Africa series, Bairstow found himself on the sidelines as England opted for Ravi Bopara in the 1st Test and handed James Taylor his debut in the Second Test. However, Bairstow's return to the side for the 3rd Test was impactful. In the first innings, he made an impressive 95 runs before being dismissed by a remarkable delivery from fast bowler Morne Morkel, earning a standing ovation as he left the field.

Although he contributed 54 runs in the second innings, England fell short, and South Africa won the match and the series 2-0. Despite playing only one Test in the series, Bairstow finished as the 5th highest-scoring England player with a total of 149 runs.

Despite his commendable Test performances, Bairstow faced exclusion for the first ODI, as Ravi Bopara, who had excelled in the ODI series against Australia, was given preference in the lineup.

2012 ICC World Twenty20 and Test Series in India:

Jonathan Bairstow's presence in the cricketing arena extended to the global stage, with his selection in the England squad for the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. In England's group-stage encounters, he played a pivotal role, contributing with both bat and fielding.

Against Afghanistan, Bairstow came in as the number 6 batter, scoring 12 runs from 5 balls and taking a crucial catch to aid England in a comprehensive 116-run victory. However, in the game against India, despite catching Virat Kohli, England faced a substantial defeat, with Bairstow dismissed for 1 run as England posted their worst T20I total.

Moving into the Super 8 stage, Bairstow played a crucial role against West Indies, taking a vital wicket. In the match against New Zealand, he contributed with both bat and fielding, helping England secure a 6-wicket win. However, in the crucial encounter against Sri Lanka, where Bairstow served as the wicketkeeper and caught Kumar Sangakkara, his performance as the number 3 batter was modest, contributing only 2 runs. Unfortunately, England's defeat meant they were eliminated from the World Twenty20, and the West Indies claimed the title.

Subsequently, Bairstow was part of the squad that traveled to India. In the Second Test, filling in for Ian Bell, Bairstow made notable contributions in the field, taking crucial catches, including that of Cheteshwar Pujara.

However, his brief innings with the bat ended with a controversial dismissal, as the ball hit the catcher's helmet first before being caught by Gautam Gambhir. Despite these fielding heroics, he was dropped for the 3rd Test as Ian Bell returned to the tour. While initially included in the T20 and ODI squads, Bairstow withdrew from both due to a family member's illness, paving the way for Joe Root to step in.

2013 Tour to New Zealand: T20Is and Test Series Performances:

Jonathan Bairstow played a crucial role in the 2013 Tour to New Zealand, being selected for the Test, ODI, and T20 squads. In the T20 series, Bairstow initially lost the wicket-keeping spot to Jos Buttler but continued as a specialist batter at number 5.

In the first T20I, Bairstow's aggressive batting contributed to England's 40-run victory as he smashed 38 runs in 22 balls. His fielding prowess was evident as he caught New Zealand's danger man, Ross Taylor, on 13. In the second T20I, he continued his fine fielding form by catching Ross Taylor on 4 and also Colin Munro on 7.

Bairstow played a crucial role in the field in the third T20I, catching both Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor. Although he was not required to bat in England's successful run chase, he concluded the series as a 2-1 T20 winner. Moving to the Test series, Bairstow was selected as the number 6 batter for the third Test due to Kevin Pietersen's injury. However, he struggled in his innings with scores of 3 and 6.

Subsequently, during New Zealand's tour of England, Bairstow was included in the ODI squad. Before the ODIs, he played for the England Lions against New Zealand in a four-day warm-up match, scoring 68 runs at number 6. In the Test series, due to Kevin Pietersen's absence, Bairstow was selected at number 6.

In the first Test, he top-scored for England in the first innings with 41 runs off 107 balls. In the Second Test at Headingley, he hit 64 off 99 balls and was part of a crucial 124-run partnership with Joe Root. Bairstow finished the series with 136 runs, ranking as England's 4th highest scorer, as England won the series 2-0.

2013 Ashes Series:

For the 2013 Ashes series, Jonathan Bairstow found himself in the squad after Nick Compton was dropped. This allowed Joe Root to open the batting, creating an opening for Bairstow at the number six spot. In the 1st Test, Bairstow made contributions with scores of 37 and 15.

In the Second Test, he played a more significant role by scoring 67 off 146 balls in the first innings and adding 20 runs in the second innings. His performances played a part in England gaining a 2-0 series lead.

While initially part of the squad for the 2013-14 Ashes series, Bairstow did not feature in a match until he was called up for the 4th Test. With England trailing 3-0 in the series, Bairstow replaced wicket-keeper Matt Prior, marking a historic moment as he and his father became the first father/son combination to keep wicket for England.

In the 4th Test, Bairstow showcased his wicketkeeping skills by taking 6 catches and performing well behind the stumps. However, with the bat, he managed only 10 runs in the first innings and 21 in the second innings, concluding the series with a total of 49 runs.

2015 - Becoming Test Wicket-Keeper:

After an 18-month absence from the England set-up, Jonathan Bairstow made a significant return during New Zealand's tour of England in 2015. Called up for the 5th ODI to replace the injured Jos Buttler, Bairstow played a pivotal role by taking two catches and executing a stumping.

He then showcased his batting prowess by scoring an unbeaten 83 runs in 60 balls, contributing to England's win in a rain-affected match. England emerged victorious in the match and secured the series with a 3-2 result.

Initially omitted from the playing squad for the first two tests of the 2015 Ashes series, Bairstow found himself named to start in place of Gary Ballance as a batter for the last three tests. In the fourth Test, he made a significant contribution with a score of 74 as England won convincingly by an innings and 78 runs.

Bairstow retained his place in the England side for the series against Pakistan in the UAE later in 2015. Although he made only 23 runs in the first match, England narrowly missed out on victory due to bad light-stopping play just short of their target.

In the second Test, he scored 43 in England's first innings. Despite making 41 in the first innings of the final Test, Bairstow's maiden half-century of the series came in his last innings, scoring 79. Unfortunately, England lost the series 2-0.

Following Jos Buttler's continued poor form in the Pakistani series, Bairstow was named England's first-choice wicketkeeper in Test cricket. In the first test of the 2015-16 South Africa series, Bairstow, batting at number 7, made 41 runs. He followed this with an excellent 79 in the second innings, contributing to England setting a target of 416 to win. England went on to win the game convincingly by 241 runs.

In the second Test at Newlands in Cape Town, Bairstow scored 150 not out, recording his maiden Test century. Partnering with Ben Stokes, they set a world record of 399 for the sixth wicket. Despite England wobbling in the second innings, Bairstow's unbeaten 30 ensured the match ended in a draw. He continued his good form, making 45 in England's first innings of the third Test, contributing to their victory by seven wickets, securing a 2-0 lead in the series.

2016 Series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan:

During the 2016 series against Sri Lanka, Jonathan Bairstow played a pivotal role, particularly in the first Test. He scored an impressive 140 runs, rescuing England from a precarious situation and earning the title of Man of the Match. Bairstow's exceptional performance extended to his wicketkeeping skills, where he took nine catches.

England won the match, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. In the second Test, he contributed with a score of 48 as England posted a significant first-innings total, and he was not required to bat in the second innings as England won the match by nine wickets. Continuing his form into the third Test, Bairstow scored an unbeaten 167 in England's first innings, helping them reach a total of 416.

He made 32 in the second innings, but the match ended in a draw due to rain. England won the series 2-0, and Bairstow was jointly awarded Player of the Series with Kaushal Silva. In the subsequent series against Pakistan, Bairstow maintained his consistent performances. In the first Test, he scored 29 in the first innings and 48 in the second innings, although England suffered a defeat. In the second Test, Bairstow contributed significantly with a score of 58 in England's first innings as they secured a convincing 330-run victory.

He made 12 in the first innings of the third test but played a crucial role in the second innings, scoring 83 to help England turn the match around and secure an unlikely win. In the final match of the series, Bairstow made 55 in the first innings as England scored 328.

However, Pakistan secured a ten-wicket victory in the second innings, with Bairstow dismissed for 81. In the fourth ODI against Pakistan, he made 61 in a match that England won by four wickets. Despite a personal score of 33, England lost the fifth ODI, but they ultimately won the series 4-1.

2016 Series against India and ODIs:

In the first Test against India in 2016, Bairstow played a crucial role, scoring 46 in England's first innings total of 537. He showcased his wicketkeeping skills by taking six catches and executing a stumping. England won the match, and Bairstow was not required to bat in the second innings.

Moving to the second Test, Bairstow made 53 in the first innings but scored an unbeaten 34 in the second innings as England suffered a loss by 246 runs. In the third Test, he contributed with 89 in England's first innings total of 283, but after conceding a first-innings lead, he could only manage 15 in the second innings as India secured an eight-wicket victory. In the fourth Test, Bairstow made 14 in the first innings and 51 in the second innings.

However, England was dismissed for 195, losing the match by an innings and 36 runs. Bairstow continued his form in ODIs. In the third ODI against India, he made 56 as England posted a score of 321/8 and won by five runs, although they lost the series 2-1.

In the fourth Test of the home series against South Africa, Bairstow achieved a milestone, becoming the ninth England wicketkeeper to take 100 test dismissals. On September 19, 2017, Bairstow recorded his first century in ODI cricket, scoring an unbeaten 100 against the West Indies at Old Trafford.

Just ten days later, he outdid himself by scoring an unbeaten 141 against the West Indies at the Rose Bowl, Southampton. This innings became the highest score by an England batsman against the West Indies in ODIs, surpassing the previous record of 130 made by Marcus Trescothick in 2004.

Late 2017 to England's World Cup Triumph:

On December 15, 2017, Jonathan Bairstow, promoted to No. 6 in place of the suspended Ben Stokes, displayed his prowess by scoring a remarkable 119 runs against Australia. Following this, he was elevated to the role of an opening batter in the limited-overs series.

In 2018, Bairstow etched his name in history as the first English batsman to score three consecutive centuries in one-day internationals. Recognizing his outstanding performances, he earned a place in the World ODI XI by ICC and ESPNcricinfo. On May 14, 2019, Bairstow continued his stellar form, scoring 128 off 93 balls to guide England to victory over Pakistan in a one-day international at the Bristol County Ground.

Bairstow was a crucial part of England's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Despite starting the tournament with a golden duck against South Africa, he bounced back with impressive performances. Notably, he achieved scores of 90, 111, and 109 against Afghanistan, India, and New Zealand, respectively.

England triumphed in all three matches, ultimately reaching the semi-finals where they defeated Australia and secured victory against New Zealand in the final, clinching the World Cup. Although Bairstow's individual contribution in the final was limited to 36, his overall performance throughout the tournament was instrumental in England's success.

Following the World Cup, Bairstow was included in England's squad for the 2019 Ashes series. However, he averaged 23.77 with the bat in the series, making just one half-century. Subsequently, Bairstow faced challenges in Test cricket, and he was dropped from the test squad for the tour of New Zealand.

Despite this setback, England selector Ed Smith expressed confidence in Bairstow's return, emphasizing the opportunity for him to strengthen his skills away from the test setup. Bairstow did make a return as cover for the unwell Ollie Pope, but he was dropped again upon Pope's recovery.

This led to Bairstow's presence in a South African training camp, focusing on enhancing his red ball technique. Despite his efforts, he faced further exclusion from the squad for England's tour of Sri Lanka, a decision criticized by some in the media as a 'short-term' approach.

From 2020 to Accolades in 2022:

In July 2020, Jonny Bairstow found a place in England's squad for the ODI series against Ireland, where he showcased his skills by playing in all three matches and accumulating a total of 88 runs.

However, on September 6, 2020, during the second T20 international against Australia, Bairstow achieved a unique distinction by becoming the first England batsman to be dismissed by hitting his own wicket in a T20 international match.

Bairstow continued to be a part of the England squad in various tournaments, featuring prominently in the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where he played in all six matches but had a modest performance, scoring only 47 runs with a top score of 16.

He was selected for the 2021-2022 Ashes series and made his impact in the fourth test, scoring England's only century of the series and contributing significantly to secure a draw in the final innings. Unfortunately, he was ruled out of the final test after sustaining an injury to his hand during a net session.

Bairstow marked his return with a century in the first test of England's tour of the West Indies later that year. In June 2022, during the second test of the England vs. New Zealand Test series at Trent Bridge, Bairstow played a match-winning innings, scoring 136 off 92 balls on the fifth day, crucial in England's successful chase of 299. This innings earned him the Man of the Match award. Notably, his hundred came off 77 balls, making it the second-fastest test century by an English batsman.

In the third test, Bairstow once again displayed his batting prowess by scoring 162 at a run-a-ball rate, contributing significantly to England's victory from a precarious position of 55-6. He continued his stellar form, scoring his third and fourth centuries of the summer in the rescheduled fifth test against India, including an unbeaten 114 in the fourth innings as England completed a record test match chase.

Despite his remarkable contributions, Bairstow faced a setback as he was ruled out of the 2022 T20 World Cup after breaking his leg in a golf accident. However, his outstanding performances in the 2022 English summer did not go unnoticed, as he received the Professional Cricketers' Association Men's Cricketer of the Year award and the Cricket Writers' Club Bob Willis Trophy. He was also nominated for the 2022 Men's Test Cricketer of the Year title and was honored by being named in the ICC Men's Test Team of the Year.

Jonny Bairstow Franchise Career

Jonny Bairstow has showcased his cricket prowess as a key player in numerous franchise cricket teams worldwide, particularly excelling in T20 leagues. As of my last knowledge update in 2022, his franchise career includes notable contributions in various leagues.

In the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL), Bairstow has been a dynamic force for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) since his induction into the team in 2019. Renowned for his aggressive batting style and adept wicketkeeping skills, he has proven to be an invaluable asset for SRH.

Beyond the IPL, Bairstow has extended his impact to other T20 leagues, such as the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia and the T20 Blast in England. His participation has seen him represent different teams, showcasing his versatility and talent on the global T20 stage.

However, it's essential to note that player dynamics in franchise cricket can evolve rapidly, and his involvement in various leagues may have changed since my last update in 2022. For the latest and most accurate details on Jonny Bairstow's recent franchise career, it is recommended to check official cricket sources, team announcements, or reputable news outlets for updates as of 2024.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jonny Bairstow's cricketing journey has been marked by remarkable achievements and contributions to both international and franchise cricket. From his early days, Bairstow showcased his talent in domestic cricket, earning accolades and gradually making his mark in the international arena.

His versatility as a right-handed wicketkeeping batter has been evident throughout his career, with notable performances in all three formats of the game. Bairstow's crucial role in England's triumph in the 2019 Cricket World Cup and his consistent performances in Test cricket highlight his value to the national team.

In franchise cricket, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Bairstow has been a key player for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, demonstrating his aggressive batting style and wicketkeeping skills. His participation in other T20 leagues worldwide further showcases his adaptability and talent on the global T20 stage.

While Bairstow has faced challenges and fluctuations in form, his resilience and ability to deliver in crucial moments have solidified his reputation as a valuable asset in various cricketing contexts. As of the latest information available in 2022, his franchise career remains dynamic, and fans can look forward to witnessing more stellar performances from Jonny Bairstow in the future.