Former England captain Nasser Hussain applauded Jonny Bairstow for his resilience after his unbeaten 99 on Day 3 of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford. He also feels the 33-year-old is most dangerous when he has a point to prove as well. However, Bairstow came into the fourth Ashes Test under pressure after low scores since a run-a-ball 78 in the first innings at Edgbaston as well. However, he managed to score 99 off 81 deliveries to give England a massive 275-run lead as well.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hussain said: “I love cricketers like Jonny Bairstow. He is passionate, cares deeply and wants to show what he can do. He came out like he had a point to prove. He has read everything, listened to everything and it has wound him up. Whatever he says, Jonny Bairstow with a point to prove is a very dangerous Jonny Bairstow.”

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He further added: “He is ticking, has been ticking for weeks, and he wanted that day. If you wind him up enough he will go out there like a bull and deliver. What this England side do very well is stick with people. In the ’80s and ’90s if you had two or three bad games you were out.”

However, the veteran had also said that Jonny Bairstow faced criticism constantly, especially for his lapses behind the stumps. His lack of sharpness with the gloves cost England the first two matches as Australia took a 2-0 lead as well. Speaking to BBC Sport after Day 3, Jonny Bairstow added that criticism regarding his glovework was not fair as he was bound to be rusty having not played for a long time, nearly 10 months.

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He said: “I have not played in 10 months and not kept properly in three years so the two combined, there are going to be challenges.There has been a lot of talk, some of which has been out of order. At the same time that is part and parcel of people that have an opinion and that have a say.”