The Ashes 2023: Jonny Bairstow says criticism of his outfit is 'out of place'

Bairstow was preferred over Ben Foakes behind the stumps after nine months out of the England side with a broken leg.

He missed eight chances in the first three Tests but took a superb hold in the fourth and followed it up with a thrilling 99 not out.

"There was some chatter and opinion which at times was rather interesting," Bairstow said.

Speaking to BBC Sport , the 33-year-old said: "I haven't played in 10 months and I haven't played properly in three years, so the two combined there are going to be challenges.

"There has been a lot of talk, some of which has been off topic. At the same time, it is integral to people having an opinion and having a say.

"There have been times [when] if people had a conversation with you individually and learned a bit more about the injury or the ankle and how it all happens, they may have a slightly different point of view."

Bairstow, who completed six centuries of testing in 2022, suffered a freak injury while playing golf in August. He had to have surgery after breaking his leg in three places and dislocating his ankle.

"When there are nine pins, a six-inch plate and a wire in your ankle and you are told that you may not walk properly, run or play a professional sport, I am immensely so proud of the determination I have shown and the commitment to get back to playing at this level so quickly," he added.

"There is no hiding place but the determination and support of my friends and family and people who have truly been there through thick and thin, I cannot thank them enough."

In Bairstow's absence, Harry Brook has established himself as England's number five, meaning the only way for Bairstow to regain his place would be to oust Foakes, who captain Ben Stokes had described as the "best wicket-keeper in the world". for almost two years.

Subsequently chosen to remain in the Ashes, he endured a tough streak, not only being messy behind the stumps, but also as the victim of Alex Carey's controversial stump in the second test at Lord's.

On the first day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, however, Bairstow took a superb one-handed hold to sweep away Mitchell Marsh before playing a scintillating round on day three. Anderson, and was only denied a hundred when Anderson was lower than Cameron Green.

Bairstow's shot helped England to 592 all out. Australia were down to 113-4 at Friday's close, 162 behind, and with rain forecast for the weekend perhaps the only obstacle to England leveling the series at 2-2. on the criticism of her outfit.

"Whether it's fair or not is up to you, because you write the different parts," he said. "I'm completely out of touch with everything, I was just told a few tidbits.

"Holding after not holding [for a long time] is one of those things that takes a little bit of time, [whatever] from the ankle. It would be like taking a sabbatical for three years and then coming back and writing at the same level as you, day after day. I'm sure you wouldn't necessarily find it easy.