Used Pitch From Ranji Trophy”: Jonny Bairstow’s Massive Take Ahead Of Dharamsala Test

With the fifth and final Test of the closely-contested series between India and England slated to start on March 7, wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow has said that playing his 100th long-format match means “hell of a lot” England’s fifth game against India at Dharamshala will mark Bairstow’s 100th Test appearance after head coach Brendon McCullum confirmed his place in the playing XI. The 34-year-old has been underwhelming in the series as he has amassed just 170 runs in four Test matches. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Bairstow talked about the pitch at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium and said that it’s a used wicket from the Ranji Trophy match.

He also praised the ground staff for doing an “amazing job”.

“Playing 100 Tests means a hell of a lot. It’s a used pitch from the Ranji Trophy last month… let’s see. Ground staff have done an amazing job with the pitch considering the weather we have had here. They have done a great job with the outfield here in Dharamshala. Looks good. The ground is one of the most picturesque venues in the world,” he said.