Jonny Bairstow, an IPL wicket keeper and batsman for Punjab Kings, made his first appearance at the crease in eight months against Yorkshire. England has received a significant boost ahead of the upcoming Ashes Test series thanks to his timely comeback. In his first game since breaking his leg in September of last year, Bairstow played for Yorkshire’s second XI against Nottinghamshire. The 33-year-old looked at ease as he amassed a solid 97 at Headingley.
During his 88-ball stay, Bairstow smashed 13 fours and two enormous sixes, helping Yorkshire finish the first day of the four-day match at a commanding 437/7. After the game, Yorkshire second XI coach Tom Smith observed, “Once he got going, he looked like he’d never been away,” as reported by ICC. “Watching him towards the end, the way he plays the late cut, the way he pushes the ball, the way he played the spinner, one shot over extra cover showed that international class.
Prior to his injury on a golf course in September of last year, veteran Bairstow was in the greatest shape of his career. He had scored six hundreds for his country and was a key player in England’s comeback under new coach Brendon McCullum