Wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow has come under the scanner for his poor show behind the stumps during England’s narrow two-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia in the Ashes 2023 opener at Edgbaston.

Bairstow didn’t go for Usman Khawaja's catch off James Anderson's bowling in the fourth innings when the Australian opener was batting on 5. Khawaja, who slammed 141 in Australia’s first innings, went on to play a match-winning knock of 65 in the second essay.

Bairstow was also guilty of dropping Alex Carey twice while he failed to stump Cameron Green during the match.

After the game, England head coach Brendon McCullum defended Bairstow's errors as a keeper, stating that he is a real weapon for us at No. 7.

Notably, Bairstow registered scores of 78 and 20 across the two innings of the Edgbaston Test.

"I thought they were pretty tough mistakes, to be honest. I've kept over here before: it's not the easiest place to keep, and when the ball is spitting and bouncing out of the rough, it can be quite difficult - and when you've got to stand a little bit closer on a wicket which is a bit slower and can hurry [you] a little bit, there is a risk that... those sharp edges can be a little bit more difficult," McCullum was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"I actually thought Jonny kept really well, right throughout. If you look at the way he progressed throughout the game as well, I think he found a natural rhythm, especially today [Tuesday], and I thought he did a really good job. And we know what he offers with the bat. Him coming in at No. 7 is a real weapon for us as well, so I think he'll be better for the run," he added.

By winning the Edgbaston Test, Australia took a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series. The second Ashes Test will be played at Lord’s from June 28 to July 2.