Jonny Bairstow dedicates 100th Test cap to iron-willed mother

An emotional week awaits Jonny Bairstow. When England face India in the fifth and the final Test at the picturesque HPCA Stadium on Thursday, Bairstow will become the 17th Englishman to earn a 100th Test cap.

When Bairstow was at the tender age of eight, his father David died by suicide, and it was his mother Janet who brought their life back on track and made sure that her son chased his dreams, notwithstanding her own battles with breast cancer from which she emerged victorious.

All those memories will reach their zenith ahead of his milestone game, and Bairstow knows it. “Playing 100 Tests means a hell of a lot,” he said on Tuesday.

The dashing right-hander has only managed to score a total of 170 runs in the first four matches at an average of just over 21. Possessing a wealth of experience, Bairstow is determined to make an impactful contribution for his team.