England have no room for Jonny Bairstow in their ODI XI, says Nasser Hussain
Sunday 7 May 2017 22:37, UK
Nasser Hussain believes that England’s ODI batting line-up is so strong that Jonny Bairstow will struggle to make the XI with everyone available, even after another superb display against Ireland.
The Yorkshireman hit an unbeaten 72 from 44 balls to help England up to 328-6 in their 85-run win over Ireland at Lord's.
That followed a stunning knock of 174 for Yorkshire in the Royal London One-Day Cup and has led many to question how England could possibly omit him from their line-up for the Champions Trophy, and the one-day series with South Africa that proceeds it.
"I keep hearing that it is difficult to leave Jonny Bairstow out - it's difficult to get Jonny Bairstow in!" Hussain told Sky Sports.
"I'd love someone to tweet me or email me a side with Jonny Bairstow in when everyone is available. I'd love someone to tell me how he plays.
"Who are you leaving out? Ben Stokes? Jos Buttler? The captain, Eoin Morgan? Joe Root? You just can't play him. That just shows how good this England side is.
"The bloke scored 174 in 113 balls for Yorkshire, he's come here and smashed 72 in 44 balls, every time he plays he gets runs - and he can't play. That shows how good this England side is in terms of batting."
Hussain does expect England to find room for Moeen Ali, though. The all-rounder missed out on selection in both games against Ireland with Joe Root performing well with the ball in his absence.
However, Hussain believes the return of Ben Stokes and how he alters the balance of the side will also allow Ali to return to the XI.
"In a funny way, Moeen Ali's best friend has become Ben Stokes," he added. "If Ben Stokes wasn't around, England would just think 'let's just play Rashid and Root' but when Ben comes back you get two cricketers.
"He will take the place of a seamer - probably Jake Ball - and hence Joe Root can stay in and Moeen Ali can come in. That gives you even more batting because, for me, although Rashid did well, I think he was one or two places too high.
"Ben Stokes just gives them so many options. Moeen Ali is a very good cricketer, he's done some good things with the ball as well. This is a good England side and I think we're learning that rapidly."
