Jonathan Marc Bairstow, known widely as Jonny Bairstow, is an English wicketkeeper-batter who has represented England across all formats and Yorkshire in domestic cricket. Born on 26 September 1989 in Bradford, he is the son of former England wicketkeeper David Bairstow and has built a reputation as one of the most aggressive stroke-makers in modern English cricket.
Bairstow’s career has spanned more than a decade at the international level, during which he has been a central figure in England’s Test resurgence and their 2019 Cricket World Cup triumph. His ability to combine hard-hitting with technical solidity has made him a versatile asset in the top and middle orders.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Bairstow’s journey from a promising Yorkshire youngster to a senior England campaigner reflects a career marked by significant highs, adaptive reinvention, and occasional debate over his role behind the stumps. This profile provides a comprehensive look at his statistics, career milestones, current status, and the questions that surround his future.
Who is Jonny Bairstow?
Wicketkeeper-Batter
26 September 1989, Bradford, England
England, Yorkshire, Punjab Kings (IPL)
David Bairstow (former England wicketkeeper)
Key insights at a glance
- Bairstow was part of the England squad that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
- He was a catalyst for England’s “Bazball” approach under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
- In 100 Test matches, he has scored 12 centuries and accumulated 6,042 runs.
- He scored the second-fastest Test century by an English batter — 136 off 92 balls against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
- He was the only Yorkshire batter to surpass 1,000 runs in the 2022 season, finishing with 1,213 runs.
- In 2018, he became the first England batter to score centuries in three consecutive ODI matches.
- He has taken 242 catches and completed 14 stumpings in Test cricket.
Basic profile snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Marc Bairstow |
| Place of Birth | Bradford, West Yorkshire |
| Current Teams | England, Yorkshire |
| Father | David Bairstow |
What are Jonny Bairstow’s career statistics?
Test career
Bairstow has played 100 Test matches for England, scoring 6,042 runs at an average of 36.4. His highest Test score is 167, and he has recorded 12 centuries. His most prolific period came in 2022, when he scored 681 runs in 11 innings at an average of 75.66, including four centuries — one of which was 162 against South Africa, according to Wikipedia.
ODI career
In 107 ODI appearances, Bairstow has amassed 3,868 runs at an average of 42.98, with 11 centuries and a highest score of 141 not out. He achieved a notable milestone in 2018 by becoming the first England batter to score centuries in three consecutive 50-over internationals, as reported by ILT20.
T20I career
In T20 Internationals, Bairstow has scored 1,671 runs across 80 matches at an average of 29.84, with a highest score of 90. He has not registered a century in this format. He was part of England’s 2012 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad.
Bairstow is one of the few English batters to score centuries in both Test and ODI cricket while also maintaining a strike rate above 130 in T20Is. Despite not having a T20I century, his aggressive approach at the top of the order has been a key feature of England’s white-ball setup.
Complete batting statistics by format
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 100 | 6,042 | 36.4 | 167 | 12 |
| ODI | 107 | 3,868 | 42.98 | 141* | 11 |
| T20I | 80 | 1,671 | 29.84 | 90 | 0 |
| IPL | 52 | 1,674 | 34.88 | 114 | 2 |
Sources: India Today, Cricbuzz.
Is Jonny Bairstow still playing for England?
Current England status
Bairstow remains an active member of the England setup. He played his 100th Test match against India, a milestone that also saw him complete 6,000 Test runs. While his place in the side has been subject to periodic scrutiny — particularly regarding whether he plays as a specialist batter or as a wicketkeeper — he continues to be included in England’s plans. He remains on the ECB central contract list, which confirms his standing within the national structure.
Yorkshire and domestic cricket
Bairstow continues to represent Yorkshire in domestic competitions. In the 2022 season, he was the only Yorkshire batter to exceed 1,000 runs, scoring 1,213 runs. He made his first-class debut for the county in 2009 and scored his maiden first-class century — 205 against Nottinghamshire — in 2011, as noted by IPLT20.
Bairstow is currently on the ECB central contract list, indicating that the England selectors continue to view him as part of the national team’s core group. This does not, however, guarantee automatic selection for every series.
What are Jonny Bairstow’s career highlights?
2019 Cricket World Cup victory
Bairstow was a member of the England squad that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup, a historic achievement for English cricket. His contributions with the bat at the top of the order were instrumental throughout the tournament.
The 2022 breakthrough season
The 2022 season is widely regarded as the peak of Bairstow’s Test career. Across five Tests, he scored four centuries, amassing 681 runs at an average of 75.66. His innings of 136 off 92 balls against New Zealand at Trent Bridge is the second-fastest Test century by an English batter, as recorded by HowStat.
Bazball era
Bairstow has been described as a catalyst for England’s “Bazball” approach under captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. His aggressive batting style and willingness to take on bowlers have embodied the philosophy that has revitalised England’s Test cricket since 2022.
While Bairstow’s 2022 form was extraordinary, some analysts have noted that his aggressive approach can lead to inconsistent results when conditions favour bowling. His career Test average of 36.4 reflects the high-risk, high-reward nature of his game.
Career Timeline
- 2009 – First-class debut for Yorkshire.
- 2012 – Test debut for England against West Indies.
- 2016 – First Test century, scored against Sri Lanka.
- 2016 – Named England’s limited-overs Player of the Year.
- 2022 – Record-breaking summer with four Test centuries, including a streak that ranks among the finest in modern English cricket.
- 2023 – Continues as a key batter in the Bazball era, playing his 100th Test.
Is Jonny Bairstow’s position in the England team secure?
Several aspects of Bairstow’s standing are clear, while others remain open to interpretation based on selectorial decisions and media reports.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Bairstow remains on the ECB central contract list. | Whether his place in the Test XI has come under pressure due to form fluctuations in 2024–2025. |
| He continues to play for Yorkshire in domestic competitions. | Media speculation about whether he will be deployed as a specialist batter or as a wicketkeeper in future series. |
| He played his 100th Test against India, crossing 6,000 runs. | His availability and role for future Ashes series beyond 2025–2026. |
What shaped Jonny Bairstow’s playing style?
Bairstow began his career primarily as a wicketkeeper, but his development into an aggressive batting force has been one of the defining narratives of his career. Under the influence of the Bazball philosophy, his approach has shifted decisively toward attacking stroke play, often taking the game to opposition bowlers from the first ball he faces.
This evolution has also involved a comparison with other England wicketkeeper-batters such as Jos Buttler and Ben Foakes. While Buttler has been England’s first-choice white-ball wicketkeeper and Foakes his primary competitor for the Test gloves, Bairstow has often been used as a specialist batter in Test cricket, allowing his aggressive instincts greater freedom.
His legacy is closely tied to England’s post-2015 white-ball revolution, where he became a reliable opener in ODIs alongside Jason Roy. That partnership was instrumental in England’s rise to the top of the ODI rankings and their eventual World Cup victory.
What do official sources say about Jonny Bairstow?
“Combative wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow was a force in England’s upper and middle orders across formats in the 2010s.”
— ESPNcricinfo profile
“Responsible for one of the greatest batting streaks in modern Test cricket during the 2022 Ashes.”
— Independent sports editorial
“Son of former England keeper David Bairstow.”
— Wikipedia profile
What lies ahead for Jonny Bairstow?
Bairstow’s immediate future involves England’s upcoming Test and ODI schedules in 2025, with a potential place in the 2025–26 Ashes series. He is also expected to continue playing for Yorkshire in the County Championship and may feature in T20 leagues such as the IPL. His form in the coming months will determine whether he retains a regular spot in England’s senior sides. For a look at another English athlete with a similarly eventful career trajectory, read about Noni Madueke – Biography, Stats, Family & Transfer Rumors.
Frequently asked questions about Jonny Bairstow
What is Jonny Bairstow’s highest score in Test cricket?
His highest Test score is 167, achieved against Sri Lanka in 2016.
How many runs has Jonny Bairstow scored in ODIs?
As of early 2025, Bairstow has over 3,800 ODI runs at an average of approximately 43, with 11 centuries.
Does Jonny Bairstow have a cricketing family?
Yes, his father David Bairstow was a wicketkeeper for England and Yorkshire. His background in cricket is often cited as a key influence on his career.
How many catches has Jonny Bairstow taken in Test cricket?
He has taken 242 catches in Test matches, along with 14 stumpings.
Which IPL teams has Jonny Bairstow played for?
He has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (from 2019) and later for Punjab Kings, where he was retained for the 2024 season.
What is Jonny Bairstow’s highest score in ODI cricket?
His highest ODI score is 141 not out, achieved during his prolific run in 2018.
How old is Jonny Bairstow?
Born on 26 September 1989, he is 36 years old as of 2025.
Who is Jonny Bairstow’s father?
His father is David Bairstow, the former England and Yorkshire wicketkeeper.
Madeleine Shaw is Politics & Public Affairs Editor at NewsPrism.co.uk, covering Parliament, government policy, elections and public spending.