England selectors have faced huge backlash from ex cricketers who decided to rest Johnny Bairstow for the first two Tests at Chennai considering the workload of English players as they have a busy tour this year.
However a recent statement from England batting coach Graham Thorpe had declared that the wicketkeeper-batsman will be back after first Test. Thorpe had also thrown light on time management, and added that Bairstow was mainly a white-ball cricketer.
He also added that with the 14th edition of IPL in mind which will be an ideal preparation for players considering the T20 World Cup will take place in India so we need to ensure that our white ball cricketer do get adequate preparation and break stepping into T20 world 2021 cup in mind.
“Every individual case is different. They are managing the amount of time in the environment. The T20 World Cup, which is coming up, got the IPL tournament as well where players gain a lot of experience. I suppose Jonny is on a white-ball contract at the moment as well but he is coming back in after the first Test back into the squad,” said Thorpe in a virtual conference.
However he agrees with the fact that it will not be easy for visitors to beat India in upcoming four match series especially the confidence Indian team has received after beating Australia twice to retain Border-Gavaskar Trophy in their backyard with depleted squad. He further stressed that most of the players are playing in India for the first time so it will be difficult for them to adjust immediately.
“India at home is a real challenge. They are playing good cricket, they have been very strong at home and they are coming at the back of the win against Australia as well. For us, it presents a real challenge. We have got some players who have not toured here and it will be learning for them,” added Thorpe.
However ECB disagrees with Thorpe statement as they clarified that Bairstow will be back only after first two test along with Sam Curran and Mark Wood.
