England v South Africa: 'Jonny Bairstow never lets team down'
Thursday 22 June 2017 09:43, UK
David Lloyd says Jonny Bairstow has "earned the right" to be in the England team in all formats following the nine-wicket win over South Africa in the first T20 international of the three-match series.
Bairstow's 60 not out off 35 balls helped England comfortably chase down their 143-run target in 14.3 overs at the Ageas Bowl was enough to earn him man of the match honours.
Jason Roy also returned to some form at the top of the order after a quickfire 28 off 14 balls before he was England's only wicket to tumble, out lbw to Andile Phehlukwayo when attempting a reverse-sweep.
"Bairstow looks a more confident player now," said Lloyd. "He doesn't let the team down in any position - open the batting, in at No 3, down at No 5.
"It's a great story given how he first came into the team, then dropped out when he was found wanting, before coming back stronger.
"It's good when a player does that - finds out what they need to do - says to themselves 'how do I improve?'
"Bairstow has then gone away and done it. He has earned a right to be in this team in all formats.
"As for Roy, the penny will drop. He can be a devastating player - I thought he played terrifically well today and then he just made a mistake.
"He might sit on the side and think 'did I really need to play that shot?' But the way he played is exactly how England want him to play. He looks to be totally unselfish."
England and South Africa both made changes to their usual T20 line-ups, with the hosts handing a debut to Hampshire legspinner Mason Crane on his home ground, who impressed with his four wicketless overs costing only 24.
South Africa's under-strength side struggled greatly though, with JJ Smuts and Reeza Hendricks failing at the top of the order with the bat, and the bowling unit only taking the one wicket.
"Crane looked like he enjoyed himself," Lloyd added. "He looks a precocious little cricketer.
"He spun the ball well - Shane Warne got in touch immediately and said he was watching with interest. But he thought he just needed to calm down a little and was rushing things.
"The lad will be thrilled about making his debut though. He had a chance of the wicket of De Villiers too, but it fell safe.
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"As for South Africa, wow! I've seen some great South African teams - with some wonderful cricketers - and that isn't one of them.
"England are always well-led, they've got good leaders in the team and a good backbone in the team.
"But that word backbone, I didn't see that at all with South Africa. Although they are giving opportunities to other cricketers, they have been absolutely annihilated by England here."
Watch the second T20 between England and South Africa live on Sky Sports 2 from 4.30pm on Friday.
