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JONNY BAIRSTOW’S late dash up the A1 proved priceless for England as his maiden one-day international 50 clinched a thrilling series against New Zealand at Chester-le-Street.
Bairstow was summoned on the eve of the match after first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler had to have stitches in split webbing on his left hand and made an instant impact with an unbeaten 83 from 60 balls to see England home with an over to spare.
“I’m delighted to have done that today,” said Bairstow, who was dropped on 39 and then 56.
“It suited me down to the ground and I’m really, really chuffed to see us home.
“I was given a couple of chances but that’s the game of cricket.”
Less than 24 hours before the start of the deciding match in this record-breaking series, Bairstow was contemplating how to try to kickstart Yorkshire’s T20 Blast campaign at home to Nottinghamshire.
Within minutes of him taking guard on Saturday, in pursuit of a Duckworth-Lewis target of 192 in 26 overs, the hosts had sunk to 45 for five.
Yet another hour later Bairstow was celebrating a famous three-wicket success — and 3-2 series scoreline.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum gave credit where due to Bairstow and England.
“He was very impressive,” said McCullum.
