‘I don’t want a rest’ – Jonny Bairstow ready for his role in England’s new era

Jonny Bairstow is thrilled to be present for the start of England’s “new journey” at Lord’s this week, just days after arriving back from the Indian Premier League.

England kick off their international summer against New Zealand on Thursday, with recently appointed head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes at the helm for the first time.

Bairstow was on hand to take part in the pair’s first training session on Monday, just a week after returning from his IPL stint with Punjab Kings.

It has been a gruelling schedule for the Yorkshireman, who has also contested a T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, played in the Ashes in Australia and toured the West Indies since last playing on home soil, but the idea of taking a break was never part of his plans.

“I don’t want a rest. That hadn’t even come into my mind. I’ve never been one for resting when there’s opportunities to play for England,” he said.

“Playing Test cricket is something I want to do. People know my desire to play for England, to play Test cricket. Lord’s is a fantastic place for us to be to start the new journey and it should be great fun.

“It’s exciting to be back here, hopefully with a full crowd, and come Thursday it’ll hopefully be fizzing.”

I don’t want a rest. That hadn't even come into my mind. I’ve never been one for resting when there’s opportunities to play for England.- Jonny Bairstow

While Stokes’ promotion merely amplifies the leadership role he already had as Joe Root’s vice-captain and the dressing room talisman, the addition of McCullum represents a significant injection of fresh blood, fresh eyes and fresh thinking to a team who have won just once in their last 17 attempts.

McCullum has never coached at first-class level before,