Jonny Bairstow century: Twitter reactions on Bairstow’s 10th ODI century vs Australia in Manchester

Jonny Bairstow century: The English opening batsman has potentially scored a match-winning hundred in a must-win match.

During the third ODI of the ongoing Australia’s tour of England in Manchester, England opening batsman Jonny Bairstow has registered his 10th ODI century to provide his team respite after they lost Jason Roy (0) and Joe Root (0) on the first two balls of the innings.

Having watched a disastrous start form the non-striker’s end, Bairstow counter-attacked against the opposition’s new-ball bowlers as England were among the runs despite losing two early wickets.

With England scoring 67/2 in the first powerplay, Bairstow played a vital role by adding 41* (32). England captain Eoin Morgan (23) and vice-captain Jos Buttler (8) departing in quick succession did have an adverse impact on Bairstow’s strike rate.

Having completed his half-century with a boundary off Australia’s Pat Cummins before Buttler’s dismissal, Bairstow found an apt partner in Sam Billings (57). The duo joined hands to not just bring England out of trouble but also lay the foundation for a formidable first-innings total.

In addition to the occasional boundary in the middle overs, Bairstow was at his utmost best in rotating the strike during his 114-run stand for the fifth wicket alongside Billings. From sometimes playing second fiddle to Billings to not letting any scoring opportunity go by, Bairstow found an optimum balance to his innings at the Old Trafford.

It was on the penultimate delivery of the 37th over that Bairstow executed an amazing flick-cum-pull to reach the three-figure mark via a six. The icing on the cake came on the next ball when Bairstow hit Cummins down the ground for another boundary.

Before getting deceived by a slower delivery from Cummins in the 41st over, Bairstow scored a glorious 112 (126) with the help of 12 fours and two sixes.

Jonny Bairstow century

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