Advertisement

Jonny Bairstow defends England's fielding after horror show against Pakistan

Alastair Cook (R) reacts to dropping a catch for England on Friday  - Getty Images Europe
Alastair Cook (R) reacts to dropping a catch for England on Friday - Getty Images Europe

Jonny Bairstow defended England’s fielding after the side missed five chances on a challenging second day of the opening Test of the summer. Pakistan closed on 350-8, a lead of 166 runs

“It’s not from [lack of] practice that’s for sure. I’m sure you saw in the days leading in the amount of practice we’ve done,” Bairstow said. “It happens doesn’t it? It’s just part and parcel of cricket. “You can look into it as much as you wish. You can make whatever ideas you want about who fields where.

“We beat the bat a lot today. The guys applied themselves and bowled with great skill.” 

Bairstow said that, despite England’s poor start to the game, they could still claim victory. “We’re going into days three and four which are potentially the best time to bat.” 

Ben Stokes took 3-73, his best Test figures since taking 6-22 at Lord’s in the final Test of last summer. “He bowled quick and with skill and hostility,” Bairstow said. “That’s what we like to see with Stokesy - he was swinging it both ways and hitting the gloves hard.” 

Missed opportunities | England's five dropped catches
Missed opportunities | England's five dropped catches

Earlier, it was announced that Andy Flower will attend selection meetings and help advise Ed Smith on the appointment of his deputy as the former England coach steps into the role temporarily vacated by Andrew Strauss.

Flower took over Strauss’s job on Friday as England team director while he takes compassionate leave to look after his wife who is having treatment for cancer. 

Strauss announced earlier this week he is taking an indefinite break with Flower assuming his duties four years after he stepped down as England coach. Mark Ramprakash has replaced Flower as coach of the England Lions.

Strauss also attends selection meetings and Flower’s role is to ensure the proper processes are followed but will also be able to offer advice on young players he has coached with the Lions.

England's James Anderson (C)  - Credit: AFP
England's James Anderson (C) can't hide his disappointment Credit: AFP

Smith is expected to appoint a full time selector to help him out his summer. “I will be in selection meetings but taking a back seat, asking challenging questions,” said Flower. 

“Ed Smith has come in as national selector with a nice fresh new look at things. He'll be employing his new No2. I will be involved but Ed will be comfortable with who he wants. I have my own opinions and various areas of responsibility but I think I will be emphasising the good stuff Andrew Strauss has taken into his role. I won't try to re-invent the wheel.”

Flower also admitted that the Indian Premier League had disrupted the side’s Test preparations. “They do miss out on some really excellent growth opportunities in first-class cricket for their counties. There is no doubt about that. 

“But the understanding at the moment is that they are growing in other ways, playing under a lot of pressure, in front of big crowds and among some of the best players in the world at the IPL.”