Quantcast

Batting promotion won't faze Bairstow

England's wicketkeeper-batsman not concerned with moving up the order if Ben Stokes is left out

Jonny Bairstow has said he would be happy to move up the England batting order for the upcoming Magellan Ashes series if talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes is unavailable.

Stokes will not be on the flight to Australia on October 28, though no final decision has been made on his involvement in the series.

The Test vice-captain was arrested in September on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and suspended from international cricket until further notice following a fight outside a nightclub.

WATCH: Alleged footage of Stokes' Bristol brawl

Bairstow, who normally bats behind Stokes at number seven, told Sky Sports News: "I batted at five earlier on this summer in Tests so it's not something that would faze me too much because that's something I've done for Yorkshire since I came into the side.

"Wherever (captain) Joe (Root) and (coach) Trev (Bayliss) want me to bat, that can only be a good thing for the side. As long as I'm in the side then I'm not too fussed."

Villani, Healy star in final Ashes tune-up

Bairstow was part of the last England side to travel Down Under four years ago, when the tourists suffered a chastening 5-0 series loss but the 28-year-old said England must remain optimistic.

"It's going to be a fantastic series," said the wicketkeeper.

"It's something that if you don't look forward to it and you're not excited about it then you've already lost the battle.

"It's an exciting time. Everyone speaks about it, not just in England, not just in Australia but all around the world.

"We know that we're not just playing against 11 guys on the field, we're playing against a whole nation, but at the same time if you play well you earn the respect of that nation. We know how good a place it is to tour."

The first Test of the five-match series starts in Brisbane on November 23.

2017-18 International Fixtures:

Magellan Ashes Series


First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets


Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets


Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets


Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets


Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets


ODI Series v England


First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets


Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets


Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets


Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets


Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF


Prime Minister's XI


PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets


T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series


First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets


Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets


Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets


Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 13


Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16


Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18


Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21