• England are set to play 4 Tests, 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs against hosts India.

  • ECB have not included Jonny Bairstow in their Test squad for India series.

Michael Vaughan slams England selectors for resting Jonny Bairstow in first two Tests against India
Jonny Bairstow (Pic Source: ECB/Twitter)

The England selectors have rested middle-order batsman Jonny Bairstow for the first two Tests against India, a decision which is being criticised by former England skipper Michael Vaughan.

Responding to the Test squad selection, Vaughan took to Twitter and wrote: “Surely @jbairstow21 stays with the Test team for the start of the #India series … makes no sense that a player who has only just got his Test place back & plays spin is well is resting !!!! #SLvENG !!#OnOn.”

This is not the first time Vaughan had taken a jibe at England selectors. Earlier, referring to Bairstow, Vaughan had tweeted: “The only player in England’s Top 3 that’s playing the sub-continent conditions with any control or calmness is resting for the first 2 Tests against the best Team in world at home #India !!! The world is officially mad … #SLvENG.”

Bairstow was part of both the playing XI in England’s recent 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka in their own backyard. He looked in complete control in the spin-friendly conditions at Galle and scored 47, 35 in the two innings of the first Test. In the second Test, Bairstow managed to get scores of 28 and 29 in two innings.

Under the leadership of Joe Root, England will be looking to show a spirited performance in India to bolster their chances of making it to the ICC World Test Championship Final in June.

The England tour of India comprising of four Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs will begin on February 5 with the red-ball series.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Jonny Bairstow

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
Anirudh is the Head of Content at CricketTimes.com. He is a seasoned journalist and content writer with 12 years of experience in the field of cricket. With over 9,000 published articles under his belt, Anirudh brings a creative and strategic approach to his work, always striving to deliver content that resonates with audiences. A die-hard sports fan who loves playing, watching and talking about cricket. Cricket is his Religion & 'Sachin Tendulkar' his GOD. His motto of life is Eat, Sleep, Cricket, REPEAT!! You can write to him at anirudh@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.