England star Jonny Bairstow reacts to missing first two India Tests

Jonny Bairstow understands England’s decision to rest him for the first two Tests against India and says it is important for players to get a break from bubble life.

Despite failing to pass 50, Bairstow made contributions in all four of England’s innings during their 2-0 series win in Sri Lanka.

Recalled to the Test side for that tour, Bairstow’s quality against the spin would have pleased the England selectors, with four away and five home Tests against India on the horizon.

It was announced during the Sri Lanka tour that Bairstow, all-rounder Sam Curran and fast bowler Mark Wood would return to England after the series and miss the first and second Test against India.

Former captain Nasser Hussain was among those to question the decision but Bairstow understand the reasoning behind the move.

England play 17 Tests in the next 12 months and Bairstow will also take part in the Indian Premier League and the majority of England’s white-ball matches ahead of the T20 World Cup at the end of 2021.

Bairstow told the Evening Standard: ‘If they hadn’t given me the break now, then when?

‘It’s the way of the world at the moment. There’s no one who plays all three formats who is doing the whole tour.

‘It’s tricky. It’s a huge summer and winter and sadly you can’t do everything. You do need to get out of the bubble and see your loved ones.’

Bairstow was recalled the Test squad with opening batsman Rory Burns missing the Sri Lanka tour to be at the birth of his first child.

The Yorkshireman scored 47 and 35* in the opening Test and 28 and 29 in the second as England won both matches to secure a second successive whitewash victory in Sri Lanka.

‘I’ve absolutely loved being back,’ Bairstow said.

‘I was a bit emotional yesterday being back in the dressing room when you’ve won a series reaffirms why you keep doing it and never give up. It’s special.

‘I’d have liked to get a big score but I’m really happy with how I’ve played having not played a huge amount of red ball cricket for a little while, to come back in and spend the amount of time at the crease and contribute the way I have is really pleasing.’

England’s Test team will travel to India on Wednesday ahead of the four-match Test series which starts on February 5 in Chennai.

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