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[Saba Sports News] ECB chief selector Luke Wright is urging veteran batter Jonny Bairstow to “fight his way back” into the England setup following his recent omission from the white-ball squads for the series against Australia. Despite being regarded as one of the top white-ball players of his generation, Bairstow’s form has declined since a freak leg and ankle injury during a golf round in September 2022.
After returning, Bairstow had a lackluster performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, scoring just 215 runs from nine innings as England’s title defense faltered with only three wins. In the T20 World Cup, where England were the defending champions, Bairstow managed just 110 runs from six innings, with a top score of 48*. The 34-year-old also lost his place in England’s Test side after a disappointing winter tour of India, which included his 100th Test.
However, Wright believes that this setback isn’t the end for Bairstow, a key figure in England’s white-ball dominance from 2015 to 2022.
“One of Jonny’s great strengths is his desire to play,” Wright said on August 27. “He’s disappointed, but we want him back to being one of the best players in the world. He’s had that horrific injury, but the goal is to get him back to his pre-injury form.”
Wright expressed confidence that Bairstow will fight to regain his place in the team. Along with Bairstow, Chris Jordan and Moeen Ali were also left out, while three uncapped players—Jacob Bethell, Josh Hull, and John Turner—were given a chance in the ODIs against Australia. Wright emphasized that this isn’t the end for the omitted players, noting that Chris Jordan had been left out last winter but still made it to the World Cup.
Wright also addressed the absence of senior players Joe Root and Ben Stokes from the ODI squad, citing Root’s rest and Stokes’ ongoing hamstring injury. Both are expected to be in contention for next February’s Champions Trophy, with only three ODIs against India before the tournament to regain their 50-over form. Wright acknowledged the challenges but highlighted Root’s importance to the team and the need to manage his workload to prevent burnout.
“We’ll want to field our strongest team at the Champions Trophy,” Wright added. “With no Test cricket at that time, it gives us a chance to do so. The schedule until Christmas is hectic, providing opportunities for players to make their case, but by the Champions Trophy, we’ll be aiming to have our best side ready.”