Jonny Bairstow has accused Australia of setting a poor example for youngsters through his controversial stumping at Lord’s, doubling down on England’s criticism of the dismissal.
In a fiery post script to his unbeaten 99 at Old Trafford on Friday, Bairstow turned blowtorch on critics who questioned the 33-year-old’s spot in England’s team.
He also revealed his struggle to return from a broken leg and dislocated ankle in this Ashes summer, saying surgeons warned he may never walk again.
But he saved his most pointed reflection for Australia, speaking for the first time since England accused the tourists of breaching the spirit of cricket by stumping Bairstow when wandering out of his crease.
“It wasn’t the way I wanted to be out down at Lord’s,” Bairstow told Sky Sports.
“That is part and parcel now of the game. We have seen it in other occasions.
“I have even heard about it (happening) now in club cricket. That’s not necessarily what you want to be hearing.
“The example for me is when you are looking at young kids coming up. You want to be playing the game and play it how I have always played it, you play it tough, you play it fair.
“And on a different day it doesn’t happen.”
Australia have routinely defended the stumping since, pointing out it was within the rules and Bairstow should blame himself for being careless with his wicket.
The comments came after Bairstow smashed 99 off 81 balls to take the game away from Australia on day three of the fourth Test, helping England to 592 in their first innings.
Australia went to stumps 4-113 in their second innings, needing 162 more runs to make England bat again.
Bairstow had been heavily scrutinised in the lead up to this Test, after missing eight of 20 chances across the first three matches.
Data also showed he had been completely outplayed by rival Alex Carey, a trend Bairstow has bucked at Old Trafford by taking all five opportunities presented to him.
“There’s obviously been some chitter chatter and opinions, that have been rather interesting at times,” Bairstow told reporters.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
“Especially when there’s not been many conversations around how my ankle is.
“Whether they’re fair or not, it’s up to you guys to decide, because you guys are writing the different bits.
“To have the injury that I had and back playing international sport within nine months is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Bairstow also fired up at reporters for not acknowledging his effort to return from the injury after not keeping wicket consistently in the years prior to the leg injury.
“Keeping after three years’ not keeping, it’s one of those things that takes a bit of time, irrelevant of the ankle,” Bairstow said.
“That’s part and parcel of it. It would be like you guys taking a three-year sabbatical and then coming back and writing to the same level which you do, day-in day-out.”
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Yes, l remember saying "crease". Only when the ball stopped being active. And l can't speak for WA but Eastern States Bakery items are very poor compared to SA delicacies. Except for the Darling Downs which is not bad.
Buster
Roar Rookie
for being a gingerist
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
If I said it then it'll be there, up to you to trawl through at your heart's content
Peter Darrow
Roar Guru
We'll never know as the comment doesn't seem to be there any more?
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
'I just like good sport' So long as the Australian cricket team is losing right Pete?
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Absolutely not, I stand by my word. It was probably something along the lines of a response to his big mouth. I also said (which I stand by) that I was surprised that someone with a mouth as big as Ollie Robinson had a straight nose... Oh wait he doesn't .. I played as a fast bowler (just not that fast sadly) and if someone mouths off you know where the fast bowler is going to pitch it If you and PiE want to get outraged then good luck to you
Peter Darrow
Roar Guru
Maybe you deleted it?
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Can't remember the context now. Pivotal moment in his career, really changed his approach for a few years there but he seems back now
Peter Darrow
Roar Guru
I have to ask Sgt, why did you want Broad hit in the face again? It was you wasn't it?
Peter Darrow
Roar Guru
Bloody rain Sarge! I was looking forward to a deciding fifth Test. I just like good sport. I'll go back to sulking! Nice of you to think of me Sarge!!
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Havent seen you on the roar today Pete. Day off?
Curmudgeon1961
Roar Rookie
I thought of the children. Backyard and schoolyard cricket 1970s https://thenewdaily.com.au/sport/2023/07/05/the-backyard-cricket-lesson-jonny-bairstow-clearly-never-learnt/
Curmudgeon1961
Roar Rookie
There are a quite a few cowardly cricketers who denying they said this or did that (when the evidence is clear) Its interesting how someone can face up to a 90 mph rock yet lack that courage of conviction
Curmudgeon1961
Roar Rookie
That's clearly not on with threatening an assault on Mr Pantomine Villian Broad. Robinson is quite the different kettle of fish
The Knightwatchmen who say Nii
Roar Rookie
Bairstow is brilliant at bashing bowlers on flat tracks. I'd like to see him play an innings like Steve Waugh's first day ton on this same ground in 1997.
Pom in exile
Roar Rookie
That’s not sarcastic James.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I’ve never wanted to warm to him. He can hit the ball when conditions are just right, perhaps as well as anybody in the game but he’s overweight and sensitive about it (but not professional enough to do anything to fix it), his keeping is leaden-footed, and his test average is 37 over 94 tests - so average at best. And all the while he’s lecturing about knocking him, playing with a chip on his shoulder, and a massive ginger hypocrite. What in there is to like?
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
And Marnus took that to heart with his knock yesterday. May yet be enough to keep the Ashes
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
What's a good English one to go on?
jameswm
Roar Guru
Or sarcastic in this case