Door not closed on Jonny Bairstow's white-ball career

Stone replaces injured Wood for 2nd Test against SL

FE Team | Published: August 27, 2024 22:19:38

England's Olly Stone (right) talks with James Anderson during a training session at Lords on Tuesday ahead of their 2nd Test against Sri Lanka — AP

LONDON, Aug 27 (AFP): England chief selector Luke Wright said Jonny Bairstow's international white-ball career is not over despite the 34-year-old's omission from the upcoming series against Australia.
Bairstow and fellow veterans Moeen Ali and Chris Jordan were overlooked with five uncapped players selected for the three T20s and five ODIs in just 19 days between September 11 and 29.
An integral part of England's 50-over World Cup success in 2019, Bairstow has struggled for form since he returned from breaking his leg two years ago. "One of Jonny's great strengths is how much he wants to play," said Wright.
"We just want him back to being one of the best players in the world. He had that horrific injury, and that's been the message. Can we get you back to where you were pre-injury?
Meanwhile, Olly Stone has been recalled to the England side for the first time in three years as the replacement for Mark Wood in the only change for the second Test against Sri Lanka. Wood has been ruled out for the remainder of the series after suffering a thigh injury during England's five-wicket win in the first Test at Old Trafford.
Stone, a Nottinghamshire seamer, has got the nod over 20-year-old left-arm paceman Josh Hull, who received his first call-up to the squad after Wood's injury.
Stone has had to battle back from his own injuries, including an anterior cruciate ligament tear suffered when celebrating a wicket.
"Unfortunately with the nature of being a bowler, you are going to pick up injuries here and there. It's been disappointing, stop-start throughout my career," said the 30-year-old.