York's Jonny Bairstow earns England Test recall (From York Press)

York's Jonny Bairstow earns England Test recall

3:23pm Sunday 12th August 2012 in Sport

YORK’S Jonny Bairstow today earned a recall to the England Test squad in place of controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen.

England’s management left Pietersen out of the squad for Thursday’s must-win Lord’s Test against South Africa after a row over text messages allegedly sent to members of the touring side.

Yorkshire wicketkeeper-batsman Bairstow is the beneficiary having made 139 for England Lions against Australia ‘A’ last week.

Bairstow, 22, was dropped after his third Test against West Indies this year amid concerns he was having trouble handling the short ball at the highest level.

National selector Geoff Miller said: “We need a squad fully focused on this Test match to be able to play the sort of cricket we know is necessary if we are to win this week and level the series.”

Bairstow is joined in the squad by fellow Yorkshire player Tim Bresnan.