England`s veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow is still hopeful of the chances of him making a return to the national team despite being sidelined for the ongoing five-match Test series between Team India and England.
“I am still contracted. I haven`t heard too much from them, if anything, to be honest with you, but that`s the part and parcel of it,” Bairstow told Sky Sports.
Bairstow also expressed confidence in himself by saying he fits the type of player Harry Brook wants to include in the squad.
“Brooky (Harry Brook) came out and said that he wanted certain type of players who can take down the best bowlers in the world, and I definitely fit that mould and have done for a long period of time,” he added.
His last outing for the `Three Lions` came during England`s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, which ended in a semi-final clash against Team India. Since then, it has been more than a year, the 35-year-old has represented England.
Further, he also said that he has been spending a lot of time playing the County Championship and has not missed a single match since recovering from his ankle injury.
“So, from a fitness point of view, I have not missed a game since coming back from my ankle injury, which could have been a lot more treacherous than it has been. I am really pleased to be spending a lot of time out on the field, even with the County Championship stuff and then going into the Hundred. From a robustness point of view, I am definitely knocking about. The other bits here, the leadership side of it, have thrown at different challenges,” he said.
Last year, the 35-year-old was axed from the Test side as part of a shuffle and revamp of the red-ball squad. England was forced to consider making a couple of changes after being humbled by India in a 4-1 series defeat. After making his 100th Test appearance in Dharamshala, he disappeared from the scene. England overlooked Bairstow and considered alternative wicketkeeping prospects.
Bairstow`s situation remains peculiar, considering he is positioned low in the pecking order despite being centrally contracted, a contract that will expire this October. With no signs suggesting Bairstow being a part of head coach Brendon McCullum`s plans, the seasoned star remains adamant about his return.
(With ANI Inputs)
