| London, Sep 18(ANI): England manager Andy Flower has admitted that he had never actually watched batsman Jonny Bairstow play county cricket, but he deserves all the accolades for uncovering the country’s next cricket gem. Bairstow’s unbeaten 41, which came in just 21 deliveries and included three giant sixes, in his debut innings in the fifth ODI against India in Cardiff helped England set up a six-wicket victory and a 3-0 series win. The 21-year-old’s performance has sent waves of excitement throughout the England cam and drew praise from across the cricket world. And even Flower acknowledged that he didn’t expected Bairstow’s performance to capture so much attention. “I have got to tell you that I don’t know him very well at all. I have not had much exposure to him,” the Daily Express quoted Flower, as saying. “I can’t remember a debut like that, but we shouldn’t get overly excited. He should be very proud of his performance and it is great to make an impact in international cricket straightaway, but let’s all keep level heads about it,” he said. The coach further said that what he liked about the 21-year-old was that initially when the team management told him that he was playing, “he looked very excited and up for the challenge”. “Talk is cheap, he did it with his actions and he will continually be asked questions to repeat his performances in the middle when the pressure is on,” he said. “Not many people can strike it as cleanly as that,” he added. With injured Eoin Morgan certain to miss next month’s tour to India, Bairstow now looks set to earn a place in the squad and bloom under Flower’s guidance. (ANI) |