IND vs ENG | Graham Thorpe hints at Jonny Bairstow’s inclusion for third Test

England’s assistant coach Graham Thorpe has stated that Jonny Bairstow, who joined the squad for the third Test after being rested for the first two Tests, will be back in the squad for the third Test in Ahmedabad thanks to his brilliant performances in Sri Lanka.

Jonny Bairstow, despite blowing hot and cold in the last few years in Test cricket, is still one of the finest players of spin bowling which he showed in his last couple of tours to Sri Lanka. His presence will boost the morale of the side who were outplayed by the spin in the second Test.

Also Read: Ishant Sharma – I Learnt A Lot From Zaheer Khan’s Work Ethic

Keeping that in mind, England have fixed their plans as hinted by Graham Thorpe in Ahmedabad.

“Jonny Bairstow did well in Sri Lanka, he will come back into the mix, as I said all the players will be available for selection. He is a good player against spin, we are still a day out from the Test, we still want to have a proper look at the wicket, he is with a shout to play the third Test,” Thorpe said in the virtual press conference, reported TOI.

“It is very important for others to step up, Joe Root has been in remarkable form this winter. We have always talked about building partnerships together and hopefully that leads to getting the first innings runs clear in the mind, looking forward to the upcoming Test. Zak Crawley is looking really fit, he will be certainly in the mix and his injury seems to have healed,” he added.

Thorpe asks players to adapt to the conditions

England failed to tackle Indian spinners right from the outset and found themselves in a catch 22 situation and how they will go about their business in the Day-Night Test will decode a lot of things. Thorpe stated that England players need to adjust their game accordingly.

“Half-day and half-night. We have had our practice sessions, we had one in the evening and we had one in the afternoon. The challenge of facing the pink-ball in changing conditions, we will have to adapt to,” he added.

“It is an unknown quantity, pink ball does a little more in the evening as compared to the afternoon, we will have to take a look at the pitch as well when it comes to tackling spinners during the day-time,” Thorpe concluded.