Welsh Fire embrace Bairstow after England silence

BBC News

3 days ago

Jonny Bairstow might be currently out of favour with England but the wicket-keeper/batter has been embraced by Welsh Fire fans in this year's Hundred.Bairstow has been one of the early success stories of a struggling Welsh Fire side that have lost all four games so far in the men's and women's matches.Chasing 164 runs, the Fire men fell eight runs short against London Spirit on Saturday in the first home game against Cardiff.This was despite Bairstow scoring a superb unbeaten 86 from 50 balls which included six sixes and six fours.Welsh Fire next face Manchester Originals on Wednesday in Cardiff.
"We are disappointed to not get over the line and have got a few improvements to make," said Bairstow."To get as close we did there are a few positives. This competition is all about momentum so you want to try and get a couple of wins to get going."Bairstow is set to rekindle his opening partnership with Australia star batter Steve Smith at Sophia Gardens on Wednesday as they aim for their first match-defining stand at the third attempt."Hopefully it can get going on Wednesday and that's the plan," said Bairstow."We had a nice partnership in Leeds in the first game and it was tricky at the top here in Cardiff on Saturday."
Welsh Fire lining up with Welsh rugby
Bairstow has returned to Welsh Fire after previous stints with the franchise. "It is great to be back," said Bairstow."It was a good crowd the other day and I am fortunate to play in front of some passionate Welsh fans."I know they are passionate for the rugby and sport in general." While there is only one Welsh player in each of the men's and women's squad in Ben Kellaway and Alex Griffiths, the franchise are trying to tap into the Welsh sporting psyche.Bairstow is friendly with Wales full-back Liam Williams and met up with him this week for a barbecue."It is great to have the connection with the Welsh rugby," said Bairstow."Some of the Welsh rugby lads love their cricket and that's a special bond we can have."That bond was extended when former Wales and Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones addressed the Welsh Fire squad."Alun Wyn came in last week and spoke with the guys," said Bairstow."Any time you are around those guys and are able to have a chat with them about what it means to represent Wales, in what we are trying to do and inspire a generation here, is important."He is a Welsh icon and the leadership he has had over a number of years, leading Wales and the Lions out, you can only try and pick his brains."
England return 'doubtful'
Bairstow might be in fine form but he remains overlooked by England despite an impressive international career so far.His previous England appearance was against India in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final played in Guyana more than a year ago.The 35-year-old was interviewed on the BBC after the defeat on Saturday and was asked about his ambitions for an England recall."If that comes, that comes, but I think it's doubtful, judging by the fact I've not heard too much," he said.Bairstow will hope he will do his talking with his bat and the runs he scores."I am happy with my form and how I am hitting the ball, so it is what it is," said Bairstow.On his own Hundred form, Bairstow replied: "So far so good. Hopefully that continues. "That's all I can say with that, you can't say too much in case you get a couple of good balls or make a couple of mistakes."