Jonny Bairstow takes cover at number 4 this time

The right-handed batsman, Jonny Bairstow, opines that he can play a role anywhere amongst England's top six batsmen. Bairstow takes a guard at number four after a magnificent match-winning performance in a five-wicket victory over South Africa. 

Bairstow certainly had to have his wits as he came in the unfamiliar position of number four. He had batted just three times before for England to conform Jos Buttler at the top of the order.

Team England was in great trouble at 34-3 in the sixth over, chasing 180 to win. Bairstow's unbeaten innings took the side to victory in a perfect audition for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India.

He batted at number four as England choose to open the innings with Jason Roy and Jos Butler. Both the openers failed on a slow wicket that was not easy for stroke-making.

Post-match presentation Bairstow stated that batting at various positions is something you have to enjoy. After playing different formats of the game, it doesn’t matter whether you are opening or batting at number six. In the end, it’s how you learn to craft your innings in different ways.

"England's top-order can play in any position", Bairstow

Several surfaces will change the team’s batting order, but we are advantageous to have cricketers who can come in and play different positions. The rate went up 13 runs per over at a certain point, but if you look at our line-up, we always feel we are in the game.

Jonny Bairstow’s innings was simply outstanding despite how the top three batsmen struggled on the tricky surface. The ball bowled into the pitch was quite tricky, they were bowling a lot of slower balls. It is always important to try and maintain your weight forward, which is actually hard when they are bowling at 140 clicks, he added.

Bairstow might feel his performance is also some personal justification after having been dropped by SRH at the end of the IPL. The wicket-keeper was happy with his performance in the just concluded league even if he did not finish the tournament playing. England plays their second match in the three-game series against South Africa in Paarl on Sunday.

READ MORE Cricket articles here!