Jonny Bairstow Dropped Catches: English Wicket-Keeper Gives Reprieves To Steve Smith And Travis Head At Headingley

England wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow dropped two catches in the first session of the ongoing third Ashes 2023 Test match against Australia at Headingley. With this series being his first attempt at international cricket this year, Bairstow’s glovework has let him down in all the matches he has played till now.

Speaking about his latest blunders, Bairstow erred not once but twice in the morning session to hand reprieves to Australia vice-captain Steven Smith (22) and batter Travis Head. While Smith couldn’t take optimum advantage of a second chance, Head is in the middle trying his best to power his team to a respectable innings total especially after losing four wickets before lunch, Day 1.

It all happened for the first time on the third delivery of the 19th over when Smith inside-edged an Ollie Robinson delivery for a four. With the ball sharply moving into the right-handed batter, Bairstow had little time to react. Additionally, with him slow off the blocks, he could neither complete a catch nor stop a boundary.

It was just after five overs that the 33-year old player faltered for the second time in Leeds on Thursday. A comparatively easier chance, Bairstow denied fast bowler Mark Wood a wicket on this particular occasion after failing to hold on to Head’s flick. While Bairstow managed to get his hands on the ball this time as well, him not being able to stick to it was frustrating to say the least.

Jonny Bairstow Dropped Catches At Headingley

Bairstow, who is unequivocally a senior player in this English setup, urgently needs to eliminate such errors for they have it in them to prove costly. Taking into consideration Head’s tendency to score quick runs, he could punish the home team for giving him a life today.

Furthermore, what such repetitive flaws from Bairstow will also do is question the team management’s decision to keep a better wicket-keeper in Ben Foakes out of the squad.