The 25-year-old scored 274 runs at an average of 54.8 in the recently concluded ODI series against Pakistan.
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The run chase at Headingley was the most pressure England had been under during this series when they slipped to 72 for 4.
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur made it clear some members of his one-day side were on borrowed time after another defeat by England raised fears the team might not qualify automatically for the 2019 World Cup. He plays for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and has been the team’s captain since 2013.
“We don’t really worry about the consequences; we just want to be better at executing the shots we want to play, so we can post 350”.
England are now ranked fifth in the ICC ODI rankings but their performances of late merit them a higher place, which should come if they can remain consistent in the shorter formats. The mood in the ODI camp will be completely different to the one that prevailed in the Misbah-ul-Haq-led side, which stole the show not just with its cricketing skills but with the off-the-field theatrics after clinching victories in the recently concluded Test series.
Roy, one of England’s white ball stars this summer, looked on course for his third ton until he pulled Mohammad Amir to Hasan Ali on the square leg boundary.
Meanwhile, Swansea-born Imad Wasim is looking forward to returning to Wales.
Pakistan’s innings was anchored by Azhar Ali’s 80 off 104 balls, while Imad Wasim was again impressive with an unbeaten 41-ball 57, however the tourists struggled to shake off the shackles that England had imposed on them.
Jos Buttler was still experiencing tightness in his hamstring, which forced him to miss the previous game, and it would appear unlikely that he’d be risked, which means another chance for Bairstow.
They did at least manage to breach the 300-run barrier thanks to some last-over blows from Chris Jordan.
The lowest strike-rate of an England player in the XI at Headingley – when the match was completed – was David Willey’s 81.17. The young captain will aim to play this match as a unit so that impeccable teamwork can be showcased to put the hosts under pressure.
But Sarfraz and Shoaib then came together and were especially brutal on Dawson to take the game away from England.
The 163-run stand was finally broken in the 38th over when Liam Dawson (2-70) struck on his ODI debut to claim Ahmed as his maiden wicket. Perhaps surprisingly, Pakistan are third with 108, although from considerably more matches than the top two.
“I think when so much information is thrown at you within two months of a terrorist attack you need to digest everything and be settled within yourself so you can go there and concentrate on cricket”.
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European Central Bank security adviser Reg Dickason cleared the tour to go ahead last week and Bairstow is the first player to publicly comment on his intent to go on the tour and will make a final decision next week when the touring party is announced.
