NZ vs ENG 2018: Jonny Bairstow happy to star in a clinical England victory

Jonny Bairstow played at top order in New Zealand ODIs.

Jonny Bairstow celebrates his century with Alex Hales | Getty Images\

England wicket-keeper batsman –Jonny Bairstow is happy to meet the expectations of the national selectors, who were given him the opportunity to open inning along with Jason Roy in New Zealand.

Throughout the five-match One Day International series, Bairstow was phenomenal, though he failed to make a great start with just 4, 37 and 19 runs in the first three ODIs. But he made a strong comeback in the fourth ODI, smashing 138 off 106 balls to help England to level the series 2-2.

Once again Bairstow played a match-winning knock of 104 off 60 balls in the series decider at Hagley Oval, Christchurch to seal their sixth successive ODI series victory on Saturday.

As per Sport 360, Jonny Bairstow said after the match, “We spoke many times about how it was 2-2, and this was a huge game. I think (it was great) the way the guys went out in a game that people had compared to a knockout in the World Cup next year and said ‘Right, this is how we’ll react’.”

The keeper further added on the same, “We were disappointed with how we did in the last game when we could have potentially won the series – because we got ourselves into a position (to do that). That didn’t happen… (and) wasn’t good enough from us. We know we needed to get better in certain areas and put in a clinical and ruthless performance here, and that’s exactly what we did.”

Bairstow signed off by saying, “I’m really happy. It’s something that – after being in and out of the side for a couple of years, getting the odd game here and there – to come in and contribute in a role I’ve not necessarily done a huge amount previously for England, you’re still kind of learning. It’s really pleasing for me to go out and score hundreds – because that’s your job. We’ve seen it before with other guys within the team, and today it was my turn to go on. I’m absolutely delighted to score the hundred off 58 balls.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 10 Mar, 2018

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