Dharamsala, India: English cricketer Jonny Bairstow is all set to achieve a remarkable milestone – his 100th Test match against India at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. This feat will see him join the elite group of only 17 other English cricketers to have played 100 Tests.
“It’s a huge honor,” Bairstow said, as quoted by the Times of India. “To put the shirt on for England 100 times is an incredible achievement and something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Bairstow boasts an impressive record with 5974 runs, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries, at an average of 36.42. However, he credits his success not just to his own talent, but also to the unwavering support of his mother.
“When I play, there are times I think about dad,” Bairstow said. “But I think more about how hard mum worked to make sure we were OK after everything that happened. To keep us together as a family. That has been my driving force.”
His mother battled personal struggles, including surviving cancer twice, which Bairstow highlights as a major inspiration.
“She’s a bloody strong woman, to get through that twice, before you even consider anything else she’s been through, and it shows the strength and determination of the woman,” he added.
The upcoming Test in Dharamsala presents a unique challenge for both teams due to the change in location and weather conditions. Situated at a high altitude, Dharamsala is India’s highest international venue and experiences cooler temperatures in early March. This shift from the previous Test locations in Western, Southern, and Eastern India will require players to adapt to the new environment.
Bairstow’s 100th Test is a testament to his dedication and talent. The encounter in Dharamsala promises to be an exciting contest with both teams aiming to end the series on a high note.