Jonny Bairstow hits back at Sunil Gavaskar for ‘uninterested’ remark

England star Jonny Bairstow has hit back at Sunil Gavaskar for the latter’s comment about him being ‘uninterested’ while batting in Test cricket. Bairstow’s comments came after he scored a stunning match-winning ton against India in the second ODI on Friday. The right-handed batsman, who scored 94 in the first ODI, scored 124 in the second to help England register a series-levelling win.

Chasing 337, the visitors thrashed India by six wickets to draw level in the three-match series. England were in command of the chase right from the start as they took the Indian bowlers to the cleaners. Apart from Bairstow, Ben Stokes (99 off 52) and Jason Roy (55) impressed with the bat too as England chased down the big total in less than 44 overs.

Following the game, Bairstow hit back at Gavaskar for his comments during the third Test against India last month. Bairstow was out for a duck in both the innings of the game as India thrashed England by 10 wickets inside two days to take the lead in the series. After Bairstow’s poor shot with the bat, Gavaskar had said that the England batsman was ‘uninterested’.

“You have not scored a run, and just come in and pushed at it, as if there was no fielder at backward short leg. It looked to me as if it was the shot of a person uninterested. What’s he trying to do? First ball, he should be looking to play a soft defensive shot. There is a fielder there at backward short leg. Uninterested,” Gavaskar had said.

‘He is more than welcome to give me a ring’ – Jonny Bairstow

Replying to Sunil Gavaskar‘s comments, Jonny Bairstow said that he has not heard about it before taking a dig at the batting legend. Bairstow expressed his surprise over Gavaskar making a comment on him despite having no communication with him. The England star also stated that Gavaskar could call or message him to know about his interest in Tests.

“First of all, no, I hadn’t heard that and secondly, I am interested as to how opinion can have been made especially when there has been no correspondence and communication between myself and him,” said Jonny Bairstow during the virtual press conference.

“So, he is more than welcome to give me a ring and I will speak to him about my will to do well in Test cricket and the enjoyment I do get out of playing Test cricket. As I said, my phone is on. If he wants, he can call or message me,” he added.