England keeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow was left stranded on 99* as Cameron Green dismissed James Anderson to bowl out England on day 3 of the ongoing fourth Ashes 2023 Test match.
England resumed day 3 on 384/4 and started smashing the Australian bowlers from the word go. First Ben Stokes played a quickfire knock of 51 runs and Harry Brook was dismissed for 61 before Bairstow started his onslaught. Bairstow’s batting came after Zak Crawley (184), Moeen Ali (54), and Joe Root (84) had contributed for the team.
Bairstow smashed 10 fours and four sixes during his stunning knock as Australian skipper Pat Cummins opened up the field for him. Australian fielders were all at the boundary line when Bairstow stole the show with his power-hitting. His clean shots turned the fielders into spectators.
Meanwhile, Bairstow has been receiving praise from all corners for his amazing performance. From cricketers to experts, everyone is hailing the England batter for his stunning performance.
Kumar Sangakkara Hailed Jonny Bairstow As One Of The Best All-Format Batters
Among many, former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara was very impressed by his batting and hailed him as one of the best all-format batters.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the conclusion of Day 3 of the ongoing Test match, Kumar Sangakkara said: “Jonny Bairstow today, coming out and doing what he did…we know the capabilities of Jonny Bairstow, he’s one of the best all-format batters in the world, but how he made his runs today was a real statement,”
Further, the former Sri Lankan captain also highlighted the similarities between Bairstow’s keeping and batting. He said:
“It’s also a follow on from the fact he kept really well in this match. For most keepers, who are genuine all-rounders with the bat, they do go hand in hand,”
Sangakkara also spoke about Bairstow’s value in the side by highlighting the way he batted on Day 3. Sangakkara hailed Bairstow as an invaluable player for England. He said:
“Bairstow has proved that again today. He’s such an invaluable player for England. The way he put the bowlers to the sword, clearing the lines at will, really dampened the Australia spirits,”
Talking about the ongoing game, Australia is trailing by 61 runs at the time of tea on Day 4 of the ongoing fourth Test match.
