As the Ashes 2023 series progresses with Australian dominance on English soil and the lingering controversy surrounding Jonny Bairstow’s run-out, the focus now shifts to the upcoming third Test at Headingley. Despite the ongoing debates about the “Spirit of the Game,” Bairstow himself is determined to move forward and channel his frustration when he steps out to bat in Leeds.
In a recent press conference, former England captain Joe Root acknowledged Bairstow’s frustration following the incident at Lord’s and expressed confidence in the batsman’s ability to respond strongly.
“You can bet your bottom dollar he will have the bit between his teeth. I don’t think he took it great. I don’t think anyone would, would they? He does thrive off things like this. You will be able to spot his mood a mile off,” remarked Joe Root.
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Reflecting on Bairstow’s past experiences, Root highlighted a similar situation during the game against India at Edgbaston last year. Despite continuous sledging from Virat Kohli, Bairstow’s response was a match-winning hundred.
“Go back to Edgbaston last year. Someone said something to him – I think it was Virat Kohli – and it brought the best out of him. Let’s hope that happens again,” Joe Root explained.
Bairstow, who was on 13 off 60 balls, changed gears after the verbal exchange with Kohli and went on to score a century in the next 59 balls.
Root emphasized that Bairstow’s actions were not an attempt to gain an unfair advantage and expressed his sympathy for the batsman’s feelings. He also urged the team to use this incident as motivation but in a controlled manner.
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“There is always something like this in these big series, and this one would have to involve Jonny. Jonny was not trying to gain an advantage. It wasn’t like he was at the non-striker’s end trying to sneak a run or batting out of his crease to take modes of dismissal out of the game. So yes, he felt hard done by. And I don’t think anyone will be leaving their crease here,” Joe Root asserted.
He concluded by acknowledging that each player would deal with the situation differently and stressed the importance of not getting carried away while using the incident as fuel for motivation.
