England hero Jonny Bairstow opens up about stunning form after 'tough couple of years'

Jonny Bairstow is in the midst of a stunning run of form, having struck four centuries in four Tests this summer and helped England to brilliant wins over New Zealand and India.

The 32-year-old scored two hundreds in the rescheduled fifth Test against India at Edgbaston, helping guide England to a record-breaking seven-wicket victory alongside Joe Root. And Bairstow is relishing his role in a new-look England side after a "tough" last few years touring during the pandemic.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Bairstow said: "It's just about having the enjoyment factor of it, not being afraid of failing, going out and playing in a way that puts the pressure back on the opposition. We're here to win games of cricket, that's all we want to do.

"You're going to lose games along the way if you play in the way in which we are, but hopefully the positive brand that we're playing is exciting for people to watch. It's certainly exciting to play in and we'll have a bit of craic along the way."

And when asked about his own form, he added: "Just taking all the simple things back and stripping it back to the basics. The last couple of years have been tough.

"I'm not a big fan of the bubbles, I'm not someone that likes to sit in a room and play computer games. It's been tough on me but the last few months have been fantastic."

Joe Root was full of praise for Bairstow (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Former captain Root also paid tribute to his close friend Bairstow, saying: "He looks like he's got a real clarity in how he wants to go about his cricket. He's striking the ball so clean, he looks very calm and in control out there.

"It's just great to see him really enjoying Test cricket. There's been a number of times when he's been in and out the side… you know you can blame me for that if you want.

"When he's come in this summer, and even the back end of the winter, the way he's been batting has just been exceptional and it's a pleasure to stand at the other end. It's great fun and it's great to see someone I've known from being 12 years old, start to realise his true potential in this format of the game."