The Ashes - How to fit Bairstow in

[Milltown1882]

With the County Championship close to starting up again there’s a lot of chat flying around about how Bairstow fits back in given the form of Brook since he came in.

Few ones I’ve heard so far on podcasts - Root to open again and slot him in for Crawley, straight swap with Foakes, Stokes to open and drop Crawley, Brook to open and Bairstow to slot back in at 5.

I’d be most open to the latter as his technique is outstanding, what’s everyone else’s thoughts?

[Foulthrow]

Brook and Bairstow must both play. Crawley is a walking wicket. I’m not sure how you sort out the batting order as I wouldn’t be in favour of Bairstow taking the gloves. If Root was trusted with the ball, I fear Leach would miss out but Stokes seems to want him in.

[RVclaret]

Firstly, Bairstow needs to get fit / in form again, will it have been a year almost since his last action?

I'm reluctant to move Stokes, I know he's not been in the runs there but 6 is surely his spot for these games, given the last time they visited.

Brook has been playing too well at 5 to move him. Why not try Bairstow opening in a straight swap with Crawley? Pretty similar in playing style.

Get him opening for Yorkshire between now and then.

[Bordeauxclaret]

Seems a bit early to have the discussion I think.

Lots of cricket to be played first and inevitably they’ll be further injuries to weigh up.

If it gets to June and everyone is fit and in form I suspect it will be Foakes who misses out.
Big risk to move Root up top but then this current approach is nothing if not brave.

[Quickenthetempo]

Half the country wants Crawley dropped but for me he played Pat Cummins the best out of any of our batters in the away tour.
My concern is Duckett, he's played superb against spin and on slower wickets, but I'm worried he won't handle the bounce from the quicker bowlers this summer.

The aussies don't bowl many bad balls unless you can hit them off their line and length. Positive opening batters will make it far easier for the rest of the side, if successful. It takes guts and skill though.

Bairstow will have to get some form but he proved his worth chasing totals down, so he won't be opening.

We should have a decent squad to go at though. Plenty of fast bowlers should be fit as well.

Should be a great series.

[onewillieirvine]

I've read Bairstow will keep for Yorkshire at the start of the season, might be as cover for Foakes. I can't see both Duckett and Crawley playing in the first test so I reckon Jonny may well open.

[TheFamilyCat]

I'm more concerned with Stokes going off to play in the IPL while not being fully fit.

[Longsidelenny1882]

Well said tempo upthecolne