The England cricket team has traveled to Sri Lanka for a couple of Test matches which were supposed to be played in March 2020 but COVID-19 forced the visitors to return home. The two Tests will now be played from January 14 to 26 at the Galle International Stadium.
England wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow is confident of playing well in Sri Lanka thanks to his experience in IPL. He believes that the conditions on offer in the IPL and the spinners on display help the foreign batsmen to get accustomed to playing in all Asian countries.
Jonny Bairstow told the reporters in Hambantota, "(It (playing in the IPL) was) great, to be honest.Coming into similar conditions, we haven't got a long run-in."
"So calling those experiences, whether that be when we went to Bangladesh, when we went to playing India or another couple of tours - they all come into it," he added.
The 31-year-old has played at different positions in the batting order in all formats of the game and finds himself comfortable everywhere. As a result, he is open to bat at the No. 3 spot in the Test series against Sri Lanka or even open the batting against the new ball.
"I've batted in different places over a period of time. Wherever it is I do bat, if I do get the nod, hopefully I'm well enough equipped to make the best of that opportunity. Last time I played in Sri Lanka, I got a hundred batting at three. I think I've batted a few times at three and generally done alright there. If that is the case, then bring it on," he said.
(With inputs from AFP)
