Phil Walker reflects on England’s decision to back the under-fire Jonny Bairstow for the Old Trafford Test

The old adage about a cricketer never being so good as when they’re out of the team holds as true as ever. Freed from the inconvenience of having to play any matches, Ben Foakes has had an excellent Ashes. His stock has never been higher.
The counterpoint to Jonny Bairstow’s struggles has been the alternative narrative of Foakes, providing immaculate glovework allied to ramrod middle-order resistance. With every grassed fumble and befuddled drag-on from the incumbent, Foakes’ reputat...