England vs South Africa, 4th Test: Jonny Bairstow annoyed after getting out on 99

Jonny Bairstow's 99 took England to 362 before pacers restricted South Africa to 220 for 9 on Day 2 of 4th Test.

At 252 for 6, England needed their lower-order to stand up. Someone had to anchor the innings. Jonny Bairstow carried on his splendid form and guided the score to 362 all-out on Day Two of the final Test versus South Africa. However, Bairstow missed out on a deserving fourth Test century after he fell for 99 on a sweep shot. The wicketkeeper-batsman’s performance has put England on top, with South Africa reeling at 220 for 9 at stumps, but admits being annoyed on missing out on a hundred. Though he was pleased with his overall contribution, but vented his disappointment on getting out in the 90s; second time against South Africa.

“I’ve joined a pretty special club. I was pretty annoyed but at the same time, if someone had said you’ll get 99 after starting on 33, you’d take it. I kicked myself as that’s twice now I’ve got out in the 90s against South Africa”, admitted Bairstow. The previous instance came at Lord’s in 2012 in what was his fourth Test. Bairstow added vital stands with the lower order, stitching 50 runs with James Anderson, and spoke about his role at No. 7. “It’s something that you have to learn how to deal with. It can sometimes be quite difficult, trying to manipulate the strike. You’ve got to have trust in your partner. In any situation, leaving it down to the last ball to get a single off it can be quite tricky”, Bairstow was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

After his contribution with the willow, Bairstow also shone with the gloves. He took his 100th Test dismissal after getting rid of Hashim Amla down the leg side off Toby Roland-Jones. “If you had said that to me two years ago [the 100 catch mark], I’d have said no chance. It’s the hard work that I’ve put in and keeping in games of cricket has moved my game on. I’m delighted to achieve that. Hopefully there’s a couple more hundred in the tank”, concluded Bairstow.