‘He has money in the bank’: Ben Stokes defends his teammate amid poor form slump ahead of Ranchi Test

England skipper Ben Stokes has asserted that Jonny Bairstow has 'money in the bank' and supported the batter despite his recent poor form against India in the Rajkot Test.

SportsTak Desk

• Thu • 22 Feb 2024

Thumbs up from England captain Ben Stokes during day four of the 3rd Test Match vs India. (Getty Images)

Highlights:

Jonny Bairstow has managed only 102 runs across six innings.

He registered scores of 0 and 4 in the Rajkot Test against India.

Ben Stokes said that Bairstow has been a long-time contributor to the team.

England skipper Ben Stokes dismissed concerns surrounding Jonny Bairstow's form and expressed confidence in the England batter's ability to bounce back despite his recent struggles.

Calls have emerged for Bairstow to be omitted from the lineup for the Ranchi Test, with figures like Alastair Cook suggesting that he should be spared from further pressure.

India is a very hard place: Alastair Cook

"He's had a tough tour so far. And India is a very hard place to continue going on that on the treadmill. I'm taking Jonny out of the firing line, to protect the player," said Cook.

However, England opted to retain Bairstow in the lineup for the Ranchi Test. Stokes, addressing reporters in a press conference, emphasised Bairstow's longstanding contributions to the team, suggesting that he has 'money in the bank'.

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Stokes mentioned that Bairstow has been integral to their style of play.

"If batters have a tough time over a short period, it will come under scrutiny."

"I don't look at it like that, I look at what Jonny [Bairstow] has contributed for a long period of time since I've been captain."

"He has money in the bank, he's a quality player. He's someone who has been very integral to what we have done."

How has Bairstow fared in the India vs England series?

Bairstow has struggled during the tour and managed to score only 102 runs from six innings at an average of 26. In Rajkot, he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings and for four in the second, prompting questions about his and Joe Root's form.

Bairstow's duck in Rajkot marked his eighth against India in Test cricket, making him the player with the most ducks against India in this format.

Despite this, Brendon McCullum has backed Bairstow to play in the match in Ranchi.