Bairstow laments 'out of order' critics after stunning Ashes innings

Jonny Bairstow said he had been subjected to "out of order" criticism following a whirlwind innings that cemented England's hold on the fourth Test against Australia at Old Trafford on Friday.

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Bairstow's 99 not out off just 81 balls helped England to a mammoth 592 all out in their first innings.

The wicketkeeper then held two catches off fast bowler Mark Wood as Australia reached 113-4 in their second innings at stumps on the third day - still 162 runs behind in a match England, at 2-1 down with two to play, must win if they are to regain the Ashes.

Bairstow broke his left leg in three places and suffered a dislocated ankle following a freak accident on a golf course in August last year.

While his outstanding form with the bat at the start of England's 'Bazball' era meant a Test recall was all but assured when he regained fitness, many pundits questioned whether Bairstow was being asked to do too much in keeping wicket as well.

Those concerns intensified as Bairstow dropped seven catches and missed a stumping during the opening three Ashes Tests.

England, however, resisted calls to restore Ben Foakes as their wicketkeeper and Bairstow said much of the commentary regarding his glovework had been over-blown.

"You've got to have a bit of perspective on it," Bairstow told the BBC. "I've not played in months and I've not kept properly in three years.

"There's obviously been a lot of talk and things like that, some of which I think has been a bit out of order to be honest but that's part and parcel of people having an opinion."

'Tiresome'

The 33-year-old Yorkshireman, who hammered Australia's bowlers for 10 fours and four sixes on Friday, was equally dismissive of suggestions he is at his best when he has a