‘Wonderful’ Jonny Bairstow tipped to shine on big stage (From Gazette & Herald)

‘Wonderful’ Jonny Bairstow tipped to shine on big stage

9:53am Wednesday 16th May 2012 in Sport

Jason Gillespie has backed York ace Jonny Bairstow to make the most of his chance in the middle order of England’s Test team.

Yorkshire’s first-team coach has hailed the 22-year-old right-hander a “wonderful talent” ahead of his expected debut against West Indies at Lord’s, starting tomorrow.

Bairstow has played six one-day and six Twenty20 internationals, but is set to become part of the 13th father-son combination to play Test cricket for England this week after his late father David played four Tests between 1979 and 1981.

The former Dunnington wicketkeeper has already scored two Championship centuries for Yorkshire this summer, against Kent and Leicestershire, but will not don the gloves due to Matt Prior’s presence in the England side.

“The exciting thing for me about Jonny is his attitude and desire to improve,” said Gillespie.

“That’s very pleasing from a coaching point of view. It’s also very pleasing from an England point of view.

“This is a lad who wants it so badly, and he’ll leave no stone unturned to achieve his goals. I think he’s going to make that spot his own because he’s a wonderful talent.

“If he gets a decent run at it, I think the selectors will find it tough to ever leave him out.

“It’s the first Test of the summer, and it looks as if Jonny’s going to be given first crack at a position in the middle order.

“It would be pretty hard for the selectors to then make a change after just one game.

“I think just the way Jonny is, he’ll work incredibly hard. He’s worked incredibly hard to be afforded this opportunity.

“My feeling is that he won’t give this up without a fight. You’ll see a pretty determined young man walk out there with an England cap on.”