IND vs ENG: 'It will be an emotional week,' Jonny Bairstow opens up on reaching 100 tests

In the ongoing test series, Jonny Bairstow has notched up 170 runs in the four matches against India.

England wicket-keeper-batter Jonny Bairstow is bracing for an emotional week, as he prepares to join the elite club of cricketers who have played 100 tests. Bairstow will become the 17th Englishman to achieve this feat when the fifth test against India starts on Thursday in Dharamshala. Hosts India have already secured an unassailable lead of 3-1. 

The Yorkshire-based cricketer had a turbulent childhood when his father David Bairstow, who was a former England wicket-keeper batter, took his own life when Jonny was just 8-years-old. His mother, Janet is a very strong woman, as she overcame breast cancer twice and raised her family.

The 34-year-old Jonny Bairstow has been in poor form in the ongoing five-match test series against India, as he has amassed just 170 runs in four test matches. Speaking ahead of his 100th test match, the veteran batter said that it will be an emotional week for him.

“We’re not doing anthems, so that’s a good thing. But, it will be an emotional week … I’m proud, you know what I’m like, an emotional guy so yeah, get the tissues ready,” Jonny Bairstow said on a lighter note during the pre-match press conference.”

Coincidentally, Jonny Bairstow also made his 100th appearance in ODIs against Bangladesh in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in Dharamshala. And his 100th test match will also be at the same venue. The senior batter revealed his favourite ground and lavished praise on the beauty of the HPCA Stadium as well.

“Cape Town is my favourite, but don’t think there is a more picturesque ground in the world than Dharamshala,” Bairstow said.

Jonny Bairstow concluded by saying, “It would be nice! Like in every game, you put your best foot forward. No matter what it is, I’ll be going out there, chewing my gum, puffing my chest out and trying to have a good time with the other 10 blokes out there. Whatever the situation is, we’ll be going out there with smiles on our faces, like we have done in the whole series.”

England have lost three matches in succession in the ongoing five-match test series after winning the opening game in Hyderabad. The visitors had their chances in the Rajkot and Ranchi games, but India came back strong on both occasions to win the match.

India and England still have World Test Championship (WTC) points to gain in Dharamshala, even though the series is decided. India are on top of the WTC 2023-2025 standings with a points percentage of 64.58, while England are ranked eighth.

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