DHARAMSHALA, India – Jonny Bairstow is bracing himself for an “emotional week” as he prepares to become the 17th Englishman to play 100 Tests.
The Yorkshire batsman will reach the landmark in the fifth and final Test against India in Dharamsala, 12 years after making his debut against West Indies.
“It’s an amazing week, an amazing place and an amazing occasion,” Bairstow told BBC Sport. “To be out there with some of your best pals, enjoying the occasion. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Bairstow, 34, follows his captain Ben Stokes, who reached 100 caps in the third Test of the series.
Bairstow’s journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs. Injuries, including a serious leg break in 2022, have sidelined him at times, and he has also faced spells out of the team due to form and tactical decisions.
“There will be challenges,” Bairstow acknowledged. “It’s about how you react to those challenges. … People can never say that I’ve never given it my all to play for the Three Lions, and I absolutely love it.”
Bairstow needs 26 runs to reach 6,000 in Tests. He has scored 12 centuries, with six coming in 2022, a prolific year that helped launch England’s “Bazball” era under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
He has kept wicket in 55 of his 99 Tests but is currently not playing in that role in India. Only three Englishmen have scored more runs as wicketkeeper than Bairstow.
“It means a hell of a lot,” Bairstow said of reaching 100 Tests. “You look back to 2012… if 12 years later you’d said I’d be playing 100 Test matches, you’d snap your hand off for one.”
Bairstow’s father, David, played for England in the 1970s and 80s. His family, including his young son, are in Dharamsala for the 100th Test.
“The strength and courage she’s shown to bring us up, support us through the journey is huge,” Bairstow said of his mother, Janet. “Without her we wouldn’t be here today.”
England are 3-1 down in the series and cannot win. Jonny Bairstow, who is approaching two years without a Test century, is confident heading into the final match.
“I’ve been pleased with how I’ve played throughout the series,” he said. “I’m striking the ball well. I’m full of confidence coming into this week.”
