Tuesday 9 May 2017 00:16, UK
Jonny Bairstow's contribution against Ireland is unlikely to earn him a Champions Trophy starting spot, England captain Eoin Morgan says.
Bairstow, batting at No 5, hit 72 from 44 balls to help England complete a 2-0 series win over the Irish at Lord's on Sunday.
But the imminent return of wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler and all-rounder Ben Stokes from the Indian Premier League means England would need to find room for Bairstow as a specialist batsman as low as No 7 in the order.
With the all-round talents of off-spinner Moeen Ali another option in the 15-man squad, Morgan says Bairstow is struggling to force his way into the starting XI for the beginning of the Champions Trophy on home soil next month.
"It is looking like that at the moment - which is unfortunate for him," Morgan said. "You can't guarantee how often he would be used.
"We've a really strong batting line-up, particularly when Stokes, Chris Woakes and Buttler come back in. I'm not sure about justifying an out-and-out batter at seven.
"The number of balls faced at seven, the spread is very small. Over the course of 10 games, if he faces 40 balls in one is he going to win you a game? Or could your all-rounder do the same job, get you up to a par score - and then contribute with the ball?
"With Ben coming back into the side, it allows us to play another all-rounder - with Mo at seven. I suppose you could go five out-and-out quicks, with Ben and one spinner.
"But planning towards the tournament, we envisage better weather and slower pitches - so we'll need slower bowlers potentially."
Morgan, speaking at the launch of NatWest's 'Cricket has no boundaries' campaign on Monday, earlier gave Sky Sports News HQ a glowing assessment of England's strength in depth heading into a three-match series with South Africa, live on Sky Sports.
He said: "We have been in the very fortunate position, where guys are sitting on the sideline are competing game on game basis for positions.
"It shows there is huge competition not only within the team but within the squad, and even outside the squad, there are guys who we could have easily selected in the Champions Trophy squad who have unfortunately missed out.
"Things are certainly bright at the moment and are looking bright for the future."
