Jonny Bairstow, the architect of an impressive fightback, says England never worried when they sunk to 48 for four on the opening morning of the First Test against West Indies.
Bairstow made his eighth Test century, and second in as many matches this year, to help England to 268 for six at stumps, giving them the best of the day.
But earlier the picture had looked rather bleaker, with the top four gone in a little over an hour against excellent fast bowling.
“No, not at all,” said Bairstow when asked if there was any sense of panic in the changing room as a scene not dissimilar to how the Ashes unfolded.
“[These are] Completely different surfaces, completely different attack, completely different ball. It was always going to be tacky from seeing the pitch yesterday. They were obviously worried it would break up quite heavily, there was some moisture in that wicket this morning. You get through that first session and that new ball.
“It’s something that is part and parcel of the game, you know you may come in some tricky spots and it’s about staying out there as long as you can and grinding. That’s what we do, we’ll come tomorrow and grind again.”
Bairstow said he was “delighted” with his innings.
“I’m delighted, absolutely. To start the series like that is something you want so really pleased to score a hundred in the West Indies.
“I think that it’s great to start the year like that. Obviously I didn’t start in the Ashes but got my opportunity and looked to take it. It’s been a good build up and to start this way this series is fantastic, I’m delighted. Hopefully we kick on.”
