Captain Alastair Cook says Jonny Bairstow will continue behind the stumps for England in the final Ashes Test starting on Friday despite support for the experienced Matt Prior from rival skipper Michael Clarke.
Prior was dropped for Bairstow for the fourth Test in Melbourne after an indifferent series but his understudy gave a mixed performance, dropping a catch and failing to respond to a snick from Chris Rogers when he was on 19, with the opener going on to score a century.
Clarke said Prior’s vast experience was needed by England as they seek to deny Australia a 5-0 whitewash in Sydney, but Cook said Bairstow would get another chance as wicketkeeper.
“I think Jonny deserves another chance. It’s very difficult to come in for one Test match,” Cook said today. “We know he’s a very talented cricketer, he’s got another opportunity in this Test match to show that.” Australian captain Clarke said England missed the big-match experience of Prior, who has 75 Test caps.