England wicket-keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow feels England’s decision to bring in new faces to the Ashes squad will push the more experienced players in the team to raise their game and take more responsibility.
The 16 members English squad includes three relatively new entrants in Test cricket including Mark Stoneman, Dawid Malan and speedster Jake Ball who have 11 Tests experience between them.
There are three uncapped players in the team as well including fast bowler Craig Overton, Spinner Mason Crane and wicket-keeper Ben Foakes.
“We want people to be coming in and pushing for places in the side for that first test, and if they do that then that will bring out the best in the rest of squad,” Bairstow was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“We’ve seen what people pushing for starting places has done to the one-day side and the skill levels have gone in a positive direction because of that.”
The 28-year-old wicket-keeper batsman who has been in great run-scoring form in Tests said the team would be a little nervous but will be in good spirits when they land in Australia for the five-match Test series beginning in Brisbane on 23rd November.
“The Ashes is talked about wherever cricket is played, not just in England and Australia but all around the world,” he added. “The eyes of the world will be on you, and it’s a big series, no question.
“So the guys will come in, yes, with a bit of excitement and a touch of nerves, but also full of enthusiasm and that is going to be what we need.”
Meanwhile, there have been different opinions on the current England team among former English cricketers. While Andrew Flintoff said this is the best England team and guaranteed a result in their favour in the Ashes, Kevin Pietersen lashed out at the current team and said the team looked ‘horrendous.’