As England is in West Indies for a three-match One-Day International series, Jonny Bairstow has stated the Poms have quality players in the side who would play an important role in the upcoming Champions Trophy at home in June, before preparing a team for the 2019 World Cup.
“To get back on that winning path starts this weekend with the warm-up games. We know if we put the performances together, there’s no reason why we can’t go and win the Champions Trophy and a World Cup because the group of players we’ve got, I firmly believe, is special,” Bairstow told media gathering after the practice session in St. Kitts.
The Yorkshire-born Bairstow believes the West Indies series will help his side prepare well for the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to take place in England in June.
“This is an opportunity to carry on building to the Champions Trophy,” Bairstow said.
The wicket-keeper batsman expressed the ‘special’ talent in England squad will play a significant role in the two upcoming ICC global events.
“We’ve played some very good one-day cricket over the last 18 months. Yes, the conditions will be different in England but you can’t change a winning mindset,” Bairstow added.
The ODI series will start on March 3 at the Sir Vivian Richard Stadium (Antigua) and the series will conclude on March 9 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
“You look at our scoring rates over the last 18 months – we’re number one in the world,” Bairstow further added.
However, the 27-year-old Bairstow, who averages 32 in ODIs, also admitted he isn’t sure about his inclusion in the team.
England will play their first warm-up match against the West Indies Board XI on February 25 (Sunday) in St. Kitts and the second one on February 27.
“I don’t know how I nail a place in the team. I’ve said as long as I can get into that XI, I don’t care where I bat. I’d like to think the form I’ve been in over the last 18 months is strong enough to push my case,” remarked Bairstow.
After the West Indies ODI series, England will play two ODIs against Ireland and three ODIs against South Africa before hosting the Champions Trophy.
Paul Farbrace has taken the role of a head coach alongside Paul Collingwood and Graham Thorpe as assistants. Regular coach Trevor Bayliss is in Australia after being given a break by the England Cricket Board (ECB).