(Cricket News) Jonny Bairstow is expected to find his form again in the current five-game Test series against India, according to England head coach Brendon McCullum. India took a 2-1 lead after the wicketkeeper-battler made 0 and 4 in the third Test in Rajkot, which England lost by 434 runs.

Ben Stokes, on the other hand, had high expectations for Bairstow going into the India series. The England captain believed that if Bairstow stayed in the batter’s role and Ben Foakes took up the gloves, he could end his difficult patch. Stokes said, “I do not want him to worry about anything other than batting at five, collecting runs, and what is in front of him in the here and now. We saw what we managed to pull out of him.”

Before the fourth Test in Ranchi begins on Friday, McCullum made it quite certain that Bairstow will retain his place in the starting XI for what would be his 99th Test cap.

“As I have not even seen the wicket, you know I can not respond to it. However, I would think Jonny would be playing, certainly,” McCullum responded when questioned regarding Bairstow’s role.

“Well, he has not scored as many runs as he would have liked to, and he has been out a few times very softly for someone with Jonny’s kind of power game.” I am not worried about him. He is done so much for us and had such an amazing career; I am not blind.

We are aware that a Jonny Bairstow of the highest caliber is unmatched in any circumstance. Thus, in our opinion, we must continue to give him confidence, help him tune out most outside noise, and keep him totally present and concentrated on his goals. I have no doubt that Jonny will succeed,” he continued.

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