Jonny Bairstow rescues England with classy century in Antigua

Jonny Bairstow’s classy century saved England after a disastrous start in the first Test against the West Indies.

Change has been in the air ever since a catastrophic Ashes series limped to its conclusion in January, with a ruthless cull of off-field staff and on-field talent, all in the aid of a heavily trailed reset.

But the new era had started to look much like the old one as the hosts dominated the opening skirmishes at Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, knocking over a revamped top order to leave England 48 for four.

Enter 32-year-old Bairstow, who made his debut almost a decade ago and has picked up 81 caps along the way, as he dragged his side to 268 for six with a memorable 109 not out.

He hit the ropes 17 times in a muscular display, but earned the right to enjoy some late spoils after scrapping hard when the pressure was on.

Despite playing just twice in Australia he scored England’s only century of the trip, 113 in the drawn Sydney Test, fracturing his thumb in the process and missing the subsequent debacle in Hobart. That means he has now scored back-to-back tons, and eight in total, having previously gone 19 games without.

As adverts head out for a new director of cricket, a new head coach and with several places up for grabs there is now no doubt whatsoever that Bairstow, the second most experienced player behind captain Joe Root, will be part of the journey.

The sight of the Yorkshireman racing through the crease after sweeping his way to three figures, arms pumping and beaming at the away dressing room, was just the tonic England required to begin banishing their Ashes hangover.

Such scenes looked a long way off when he arrived at the crease, with a buoyant Windies attack having knocked off England