11:10am Thursday 31st May 2012
Yorkshire president Geoffrey Boycott has labelled the recent criticism of Jonny Bairstow as “unwarranted” and “grossly unfair”.
It comes after the York-based 22-year-old’s technique was called into question after his dismissal in England’s win over West Indies at Trent Bridge earlier this week.
Ousted for four by Kemar Roach, the youngster has been accused of having a weakness against the short ball.
Boycott believes it is too early to make such an assumption.
He added: “I don’t think he’s got a weakness.”
“Jonny has star quality and he will be fine.
“He will have his ups and downs and nobody is saying he is the finished article, but Bradman only played one Test before he was dropped and he did okay.
“We’ve all had hiccups and problems but he’s a young kid and to label him as having problems after one knock is grossly unfair.”
The debate over Bairstow’s technique has rumbled on since his dismissal in England’s series-clinching victory.
In part, it is why he has been allowed to play for Yorkshire against Northamptonshire this week after being released by the England and Wales Cricket Board to get some time in the middle.
Bairstow is still expected to play in the third and final Test next week at Edgbaston though, with Boycott reiterating his belief that he still has a glittering international career ahead of him.
He concluded: “Jonny got his chance a little bit before he had hoped or probably expected and what you forget is that he is a wicketkeeper batsman and a damn good one.
“I wouldn’t be surprised in two or three years, if Matt Prior has retired by then, that he may get Prior’s place.
“I think he is very talented, but he’s just a young kid and he’s got a lot to learn.
“He knows that as well, he’s not ahead of himself and he’s quite clear about what he has to do.”
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