Jonny Bairstow starred with the bat for England on Day 3 of the fourth Ashes 2021-22 Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday (January 7).

Bairstow came out to bat when the visitors were reeling at 36/4 in reply to Australia’s massive first-innings score of 416/8 (declared). Amid the pressure situation, Bairstow played his natural game and didn’t let the Aussie bowlers dictate terms.

The right-hander shared a 128-run stand for the fourth wicket with Ben Stokes to bail England out of trouble. In the process, Bairstow completed his half-century in 80 deliveries.

After Stokes’ dismissal on 66, the tourists lost Jos Buttler for a duck, which brought the tail to the crease. However, Bairstow batted brilliantly with the tail as well, stitching a 72-run partnership with Mark Wood (39).

In the last over of the day, Jonny Bairstow notched up his hundred to put some smile on the face of otherwise disappointed English fans. He became the first England batter to hit a ton in the ongoing Ashes and his unbeaten knock was studded with 8 fours and 3 sixes.

Bairstow was on 103 not out at the close of play alongside Jack Leach (4*) as England ended the day on 258/7, still trailing the hosts by 158 runs.

For his attacking century against the potent Australian attack, Jonny Bairstow received rich praise from the cricket fraternity on Twitter.

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