Jonny Bairstow

Known for his remarkable capability across fortmat, an England wicket keeper, Jonny Bairstow has made a significant mark on cricket history. Let’s explore his story, behind the stats, records, and controversies surrounding him.

Jonny Bairstow: The Story of Phenomenal Wicket Keeper for England Cricket Team

Jonathan Marc Bairstow, born on September 26, 1989, is an accomplished English cricketer who has made significant contributions across various formats of the game, both internationally and in domestic cricket.

Early Life and Domestic Career

Jonny Bairstow’s journey in cricket began from a young age, influenced by a family deeply rooted in the sport.

Born on September 26, 1989, in Bradford, West Yorkshire, Bairstow is the second son of former Yorkshire and England wicketkeeper David Bairstow and the younger half-brother of former Derbyshire player Andrew Bairstow​​.

His early talent in cricket was evident when he won the inaugural Young Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year award in 2007, scoring 654 runs for St Peter’s School.

Additionally, Bairstow also played for the Leeds United youth football team, showcasing his athletic versatility​​.

Bairstow started playing second XI cricket for Yorkshire in 2008, scoring 308 runs in six championship matches at an average of 61.60.

Although he did not make the starting eleven in his first call-up to the first-team squad, he signed a two-year contract with Yorkshire.

In the 2009 season, after scoring 202 not out against Leicestershire seconds, he made his first-class debut with Yorkshire and impressed with an unbeaten 82 in the second innings, taking over the gloves due to an injury and taking four catches.

Bairstow became a regular in the Yorkshire team in 2010, scoring 918 runs in 16 first-class matches. His consistent performance led to his selection for the England Performance Programme squad to tour Australia in 2010/11.

He continued his ascendancy in 2011, scoring his first century against Nottinghamshire, and finishing the season as the only Yorkshire batter to score over 1000 runs, earning him a call-up to the England one day squad.

International Career

Bairstow made his One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) debuts in 2011 and his Test debut in 2012. He was part of the England team that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

Known for his right-handed wicketkeeping batting style, Bairstow, along with Ben Stokes, holds the world record for the highest sixth-wicket stand in Tests: 399 against South Africa during England’s 2015-16 tour.

In his early international career, Bairstow made a significant impact with a man of the match performance against Pakistan in 2012 and was part of England’s squad for the 2012 ICC World Twenty20.

He has been a consistent performer in Tests, with a career that includes being part of the 2013 Ashes series, a comeback to the England squad in 2015, and a series of impressive performances against teams like Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Bairstow’s Test batting statistics include 95 matches, 5804 runs, a highest score of 167, and an average of 37.20, with 12 centuries and 26 fifties.

His ODI record comprises 106 matches, 3794 runs, a highest score of 141, and an average of 43.11, with 11 centuries and 16 fifties.

IPL and Other Franchise Careers

In the most prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL), Bairstow has been a prominent figure. He made his IPL debut in 2019 and has played for teams such as Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings.

As of 2023, Bairstow has played 39 IPL matches, scoring 1291 runs at an average of 35.86, including 1 century and 9 half-centuries. His highest IPL score is 114 runs.

A List of Records Broken by Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow, a prominent figure in English cricket, has made significant strides in the international cricket arena as a wicketkeeper-batter.

His career, spanning from 2011 to 2023, is marked by numerous records in Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Here’s an in-depth look at some of his remarkable achievements:

Top Records

Test Matches

• Ranked 6th for most dismissals in an innings with 6 dismissals.
• Also 6th for most catches in an innings in Test matches, with 6 catches.
• Achieved the rare feat of scoring a hundred in each innings of a match.
• Notably scored 99 not out.
• Recorded a hundred and five dismissals in an innings.
• 9th highest partnership for the seventh wicket in Test matches, amassing 241 runs.

One-Day Internationals (ODIs):

• 2nd for scoring hundreds in consecutive innings (3 times).
• 7th fastest to reach 3000 runs, achieving this in just 72 innings.
• Unique record of 200 runs and 10 wicketkeeping dismissals in a series.

T20 Internationals (T20Is):

• 27th for most runs in an innings by batting position, with a high score of 90.
• Ranked 44th for most fifties in career, with 10 fifties.
• 42nd for most catches in career, with a total of 33 catches.

Other Notable Records

Test Records

• Surpassed 2000 runs and 100 wicketkeeping dismissals.
• 300 runs and 15 wicketkeeping dismissals in a series.
• 15th for most runs in a calendar year with 1470 runs.
• 14th for most runs in a series by a wicketkeeper (387 runs).
• 22nd for most runs in an innings by a wicketkeeper (167*).

ODI Records

• 49th highest career batting average (42.97).
• 34th highest career strike rate (102.92).
• 44th for most hundreds in a career (11 hundreds).
• 32nd for most hundreds in a calendar year (4 hundreds).
• 12th fastest to 2000 runs (in 49 innings).

Combined Test, ODI, and T20I Records

• 19th for hundreds in consecutive matches (3 hundreds).
• 50th for most nineties in career (7 nineties).
• 26th for most innings before first duck (43 innings).
• 35th for most sixes in career (209 sixes).
• 28th for most dismissals in career (261 dismissals).
• 28th for most catches in career (243 catches).

Jonny Bairstow’s Family: The Backbone of His Cricketing Journey

Jonathan Marc Bairstow, a renowned English cricketer, has not only made a name for himself in international cricket but also carries a rich family legacy in the sport.

Born on September 26, 1989, Bairstow’s journey in cricket is deeply intertwined with his family background, which has been a significant influence in his career.

Family Origins and Cricketing Lineage

Jonny Bairstow was born into a family with a strong cricketing heritage. His parents, David and Janet Bairstow, have been pivotal in nurturing his passion for the sport from a very young age.

His father, David Bairstow, Jonny’s father, was not just a parent but also a mentor.

He played as a wicketkeeper for Yorkshire and England, passing on his love and knowledge of the game to his son. Tragically, David Bairstow’s life ended early, leaving a profound impact on Jonny.

His mother, Janet Bairstow, while not much is detailed about her, has undoubtedly been a pillar of support in Jonny’s life and career.

However, Jonny has two siblings, Andrew and Rebecca Bairstow. The family’s cricketing roots are further highlighted by Jonny’s late grandfather, also named David Bairstow, who played for Yorkshire, marking three generations of cricket in the family.

Growing Up in a Cricket-Centric Environment

Jonny’s upbringing in a cricket-focused family played a crucial role in shaping his career. His early exposure to the sport, coupled with the legacy of his father and grandfather, set the foundation for his successful cricketing journey.

Tribute to His Father

In his biography, “A Clear Blue Sky“, co-authored with Duncan Hamilton, Jonny Bairstow opens up about the loss of his father and how it influenced his life and career.

The book is a heartfelt tribute, chronicling his journey from the pain of losing his father to achieving his first test century, where he looked up to the sky, seeing “a clear blue sky”, a moment that inspired the title of his book.

Jonny Bairstow’s Net Worth: Behind the Wealth of England’s Cricket Star

Jonny Bairstow, a prominent figure in English cricket, has not only made a mark with his exceptional skills on the field but also boasts a significant net worth.

His financial portfolio is a testament to his successful career in cricket, including his earnings, endorsements, and assets.

Net Worth

Jonny Bairstow’s net worth is estimated to be around USD $19 Million (approximately INR 21 crore). This impressive figure is a result of his earnings from cricket, endorsements, and other ventures.

Cricket Earnings

• International Salary: Bairstow earns a substantial international salary from the England and Wales Cricket Board, approximately INR 1.75 crores.
• Indian Premier League (IPL) Salary: His earnings from the IPL have been significant. Since the 2021 season, he has made INR 2.2 crores from Sunrisers Hyderabad and was recently acquired by Punjab Kings for an impressive sum of INR 6.75 crores.

Endorsements

Bairstow’s marketability extends beyond the cricket field. He endorses several well-known brands, including Sareen Sports Industries, Gray Nicolls, Scarborough, Uvistat, Dream11, and Goodwin Smith. These endorsements contribute significantly to his net worth.

Assets

Jonny Bairstow has an impressive collection of luxury cars, including an Aston Martin DBX, a BMW 5 Series, and a Range Rover.

However, he resides in the charming town of Dunnington, having moved there with his family after the tragic passing of his father.

7 Controversy Involving Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow, a prominent figure in English cricket, has been involved in several controversies over the years.

These incidents have ranged from breaches of conduct to altercations, drawing significant media attention and reactions from the cricketing world. Here’s a detailed look at the major controversies involving Jonny Bairstow:

1. Fine for Professional Misconduct (2017)

Bairstow, along with Liam Plunkett and Jake Ball, was fined for “professional misconduct” related to an incident involving Ben Stokes.

The trio was punished for staying out late on the same night as Stokes’ street brawl in Bristol. This incident raised questions about the discipline and conduct of England players.

2. ICC Code of Conduct Breach

During the 5th T20I match against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland, Bairstow was reprimanded and received one demerit point for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.

He was found guilty of using an audible obscenity after his dismissal, which was picked up by the stump mic and heard on TV.

3. Alleged Physical Altercation with Cameron Bancroft (2017):

The ECB investigated an alleged physical altercation between Bairstow and Australia cricketer Cameron Bancroft in a Perth bar.

Reports suggested that Bairstow “headbutted” Bancroft during a night out, although it was later clarified that there was no malice involved and the incident was more of a playful interaction.

4. Head-butt Incident Downplayed (2017)

Following the incident with Bancroft, Bairstow and the England team management downplayed the event, describing it as a “mountain out of a molehill“.

Bairstow stated that there was no malice in his actions, and the incident was blown out of proportion. This response came amidst a backdrop of heightened scrutiny on the England team’s behavior.

5. Altercation with Australian Crowd

Bairstow was involved in a verbal altercation with spectators during the Fourth Test against Australia. He responded to derogatory comments from the crowd while walking off the field.

Bairstow later addressed the incident, emphasizing the need for players to stand up for themselves when spectators overstep boundaries.

6. The Ashes 2023 Incident

During the second Ashes Test in 2023, Jonny Bairstow was involved in a controversial dismissal that sparked debate across the cricketing world.

On Day 5, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey dislodged the bails while Bairstow was out of his crease, leading to his dismissal.

This incident raised questions about the ‘spirit of cricket’ and whether the Australians should have warned Bairstow beforehand.

Bairstow was out as per law 20.1.2 of the MCC’s Laws of Cricket, which states that the ball is considered dead only when the fielding side and both batters cease to regard it as in play.

Despite England captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum admitting the dismissal was lawful, the incident ignited a debate on sportsmanship and the spirit of the game.

Australian captain Pat Cummins defended the decision, citing Bairstow’s habit of leaving his crease early.

The media and former players offered mixed reactions, with some criticizing the Australian team’s approach and others supporting the decision based on the rules.

7. Altercation with Virat Kohli in the 2022 India vs England Test

Bairstow’s temperament was tested during the 2022 India vs England 5th Test.

Facing a challenging time against India bowlers Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, Bairstow was further provoked by Virat Kohli’s continuous sledging from the slips.

Kohli’s comments, comparing the pace of Shami to New Zealand’s Southee, led to a heated exchange between the two players, with umpires and England captain Ben Stokes intervening.