Ashes: England Drafts John Bairstow As Replacement For Gary Ballance In Third Test

After a devastating defeat from Australia at Lord’s, England has decided to drop No. 3 batsman Gary Ballance and bring John Bairstow into the lineup for the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston on July 26. The 25-year-old Ballance has lost his England Test place after displaying poor form in the international cricket series.

Ballance, who has been pulled apart by the Australian bowlers averaging only 17 in the last 10 innings, showed an underwhelming performance with 23 and 14 in his two innings during Australia’s 405-run win at Lord’s. The win allowed Australia to even the series apiece at 1-1 and England has heavily reacted to the loss by slightly tinkering the team’s lineup.

National selector James Whitaker admitted Ballance was disappointed about the exclusion from the third Test, but believes the left-handed batsman will rediscover his form and play once again for England in the future according to TheAustralian.com.

“Gary was naturally disappointed to miss out on this occasion, however we feel that he will benefit from some time in county cricket to rediscover his form. He has already had plenty of success at international level and, as selectors, we are confident Gary will play a significant role for England in the future,” Whitaker said.

Ballance has made four centuries and six 50s in his 14 Test career with an average of nearly 48. He scored three centuries and two 50s in his first 10 innings for England, but has struggled lately against Australia.

Meanwhile, Bairstow, who scored five centuries in the County Championship and averages 100 in first class cricket, will bat at No. 5 for England’s cricket team. The 25-year-old Bairstow has been teammates with Ballance in Yorkshire County Club Team and has played 14 Tests.

Bairstow has expressed his excitement to play for England and was “pleased” to be called up for the 13-man Test squad. The Yorkshire first class cricketer stated convincingly that he is in his “best form.”

“I have been very positive at the crease this season and will try and take that into the Ashes series. You cannot say how you will play until you are there but I will certainly relish the challenge,” Bairstow added as noted by Cricket Country.

Whitaker praised Bairstow’s arrival to England saying that the right-handed batsman “deserves” the opportunity. The 53-year-old Englishman also revealed parts of the team’s changes moving Ian Bell, who has also been in poor form, at No. 3 with Joe Root coming in at four according to Sydney Morning Herald. The break ahead of the third Test will give England the time to regroup and a chance to recreate the amazing performance they had in Cardiff.

England squad for third Test:

Alastair Cook (capt), Adam Lyth, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson, Adil Rashid, Steven Finn

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