Jonny Bairstow Still Hopes for England Recall Despite Ongoing Snub

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow hasn’t played for England in over a year, but the fire is still burning. The 35-year-old, once a linchpin across all formats, finds himself on the outside looking in, overlooked for the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Yet, he isn’t giving up just yet.

Bairstow’s last appearance in English colours came in a forgettable outing during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final, where he was dismissed for a duck against India. His last Test innings? That came after his 100th match milestone in Dharamshala—before the selectors hit the reset button.

Uncertainty Looms as Contract Winds Down

Bairstow is still under a central contract—at least until October—but there’s little clarity about what lies ahead.

Despite years of service and a trophy cabinet of stats, communication from England’s camp has dried up. Head coach Brendon McCullum has seemingly moved on, as has the selection panel, and Bairstow admits he hasn’t heard much, if anything, from those in charge.

“I’m still contracted. I haven’t heard too much from them, if anything, to be honest with you, but that’s the part and parcel of it,” Bairstow told Sky Sports.

It’s a frustrating wait for someone who’s poured everything into England colours for more than a decade.

Fitness Isn’t the Issue Anymore

For those wondering if injuries might be a factor—think again. Bairstow insists his body is in great shape, pointing out that he’s been consistently available since returning from his ankle injury.

“I haven’t missed a game since I came back,” he said, brushing off concerns that fitness might be keeping him out of contention.

This is a key point. England is constantly searching for players who can withstand the demands of a packed calendar. Bairstow is basically waving his hand from the sidelines saying: I’m ready, and I’ve been ready.

That could be a subtle nudge to Harry Brook too. The new T20 skipper has spoken about building a team that can take on the world’s best bowlers. Bairstow believes he still fits that mould.

Form Check: Mixed Returns in T20, Strong in Red-Ball

Let’s talk numbers. In the Vitality Blast this year, Bairstow’s returns have been solid but not spectacular. He’s made 177 runs in seven games for Yorkshire, averaging 25.28 with a fiery strike rate of 165.42.

That strike rate catches the eye. It suggests he’s still got the firepower to play a role in white-ball formats—even if consistency has dipped.

In the longer format, though, he’s been seriously good. Across the County Championship, Bairstow has racked up 595 runs at nearly 50. He’s hit more sixes than any of the top 20 scorers—nine in total.

• In Vitality Blast 2025: 177 runs, average 25.28, SR 165.42

• In County Championship: 595 runs, average ~50, most sixes among top 20 run-getters

Not bad at all for a player some consider past his best. The numbers tell a more nuanced story.

International Pedigree Still Commands Respect

Experience doesn’t vanish overnight. Bairstow has played 287 matches for England. His record across all three formats speaks for itself.

Here’s what he’s done in international cricket so far:

That’s over 11,500 runs for England.

That kind of pedigree doesn’t disappear overnight.

Even if the selectors have moved on to younger options like Ben Duckett or Harry Brook, there’s still a case for Bairstow to be in the mix—especially with another T20 World Cup around the corner in 2026.

So What’s Keeping Him Out?

The million-pound question. Why is Bairstow being kept on the sidelines? It’s not form. It’s not fitness. It’s not experience.

It could simply be timing. England are in a transitional phase in both white and red-ball formats. The Test side is trying out newer combinations. The T20 side is building toward the future. In both cases, Bairstow, at 35, might be seen as yesterday’s man—despite what his recent performances suggest.

He’s said he’s hopeful, and he’s still fighting. But silence from the England camp is growing louder by the week.