England wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow would have been definitely a happy man after hitting winning runs on Monday (January 18) to help his team register a record Test win over Sri Lanka in the first Test of two-Test series at the Galle International Stadium.
After Joe Root’s double Test ton and five-wicket hauls from Jack Leach and Dom Bess, Bairstow did the finishing job for England, as the batsman scored an unbeaten 35 in the second innings to help the tourists chase down a paltry 74-run target against Sri Lanka to win the first Test by 7 wickets at Galle.
With the comfortable 7-wicket win on Monday, the England cricket team registered four consecutive overseas Test wins for the first time since 1957, despite the record win; there was no big celebration at the English team dressing room thanks to bio-secure bubble life due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said life in a bio-secure bubble continues to take a heavy toll, saying it is really tough to live in such an environment and away from family for a long time and celebrate without those who support most.
Bairstow said after the conclusion of the first Test: “It is something that does take its toll because you’re going from a hotel to a cricket ground and back to the hotel. Unfortunately, the guys are not able to see their families, their kids, wives, girlfriends over long periods of time, which is tricky as well.”
He further added, “I was happy that the Christmas break came round because I think I’d had about six nights at home from the beginning of August until Christmas. I’m not going to lie about it, it’s tough.”
The Englishman further revealed that his teammates have been spending a lot of time playing video games at the bubble as they were “trying to create a family atmosphere among the players and staff was key” to not get down emotionally and focused.
He signed off, “That’s huge, it’s massive, I think the lads have become addicted to Call of Duty. But it is at times like this when you have something to celebrate that you miss those who support you the most.”
(With Reuters Inputs)
