A few years ago, England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow was one of the staples in the national side. Fast forward to 2025, the player looks to be a long way away from making a comeback in the team with Bairstow himself not looking confident of returning in England colours.
“Oh look, if that comes, that comes but I think it’s doubtful judging by the fact that I’ve not heard too much,” Bairstow said after scoring an unbeaten 86 off just 50 balls for Welsh Fire in the Hundred.
Bairstow last played a T20I match for England in June 27 vs India at the semifinal of the 2024 T20 World Cup. His last ODI match was back in 2023 vs Pakistan at the Eden Gardens in an ODI World Cup group Stage match and his last Test was at Dharamsala against India in March 2024. It was also his 100th Test for the country, making him the 17th player in cricketing history to reach that milestone.
”I’ve not really heard too much.”
Jonny Bairstow says he is not confident about a return to international cricket.
He scored a scintillating 86* off just 50 balls to nearly get Welsh Fire over the line at Sophia Gardens this evening. #BBCCricket #TheHundred pic.twitter.com/Zdvux1ZZDs
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 9, 2025
Despite having such a long career, Bairstow has never had a settled role in England’s Test side. His batting position has changed over the years and whether he would keep wicket has also never been certain.
Bairstow took to the Bazball approach like a fish to water. He was the posterboy for the philosophy in its early days and gave the initial ignition to the method in the summer of 2022, helping England chase big totals in the final innings of Tests.
Bairstow played in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League for the Mumbai Indians and scored 85 runs in 2 matches after he was drafted in for the IPL 2025 Playoffs, replacing English compatriot, Will Jacks.
His last stint in the IPL was with PBKS in 2024 where he played in 11 matches. The 35-year-old, however, has a respectable record in the IPL, mainly on the back of a strong profile with the Sunrisers Hyderabad between 2019 and 2021 and a superb 108 not out for PBKS in the league’s record 262-run chase against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024.
