Bairstow reiterated his desire to continue playing for England, but conceded that playing all three international formats and the IPL last winter had forced him to make “sacrifices”. He said that he had enjoyed taking “a much-needed break” since returning home from the T20 World Cup, before the start of the Hundred.
“I had the best part of seven months away from home since January. I had five nights at home in my own bed until three weeks ago,” Bairstow said. “That’s the scheduling of the game. That’s being lucky enough to be a part of all three formats and that’s the thing you have to sacrifice, time at home.
“At the same time, when you are away for that period of time, it takes its toll… those are the sacrifices that you make, so to have a bit of home time and to have a special little period was pretty awesome.”
But Bairstow made clear he wants to force his way back in. Asked by Michael Vaughan if he wants to return to the Test team, Bairstow replied: “Well, you don’t need to ask me that, do you? I think you know me well enough, and you’ve known me for long enough to know that all I want to do is play for England, and that’s end of.”
He also was asked if he felt he had a point to prove heading into the Hundred, having belted 18 off 10 balls on Thursday night, but played it down. “Not really,” Bairstow said. “I’ve been around long enough. It’s a case of just playing some cricket, scoring some runs and winning the game.”