Swann: Bairstow decision was 'unnecessarily dangerous'

"It’s just crazy, absolutely crazy”

Graeme Swann has labelled the decision to allow Jonny Bairstow to take to the field at the end of day one, rather than send in a nightwatchman as “absolutely crazy”.

When Joe Root (83) fell with 15 balls remaining in the day, the tourists made the decision not to send in a nightwatchman. It would prove a costly one as Bairstow would only last seven deliveries - caught behind off Josh Hazlewood - and England fell from 228 for 3 to 233 for 5 in the space of eight deliveries.

Speaking on BT Sport, Swann said: “I can understand Jonny Bairstow saying ‘I want to get out there'. It shows a lot bravado … but it’s got nothing to do with Jonny in that situation, this is for the team at this point. It’s just crazy, absolutely crazy.”

"Bairstow shouldn't have a say in it. Crazy."

"He's said he'll go out there. It's not sensible."@MichaelVaughan and @Swannyg66 aren't happy at all...#ItsTheAshes pic.twitter.com/oQ3n5oCt77

— The Ashes on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 4, 2018

Michael Vaughan added: “I reckon that’s what’s gone on, I reckon Bairstow’s gone ‘I’ll go out there, I’ll see us home'. It’s not sensible, you're going out there, 16 balls remaining, Starc swinging it back into the right hander…”

Dawid Malan - who us unbeaten on 55, told ABC: “I was surprised. It's always left to us as the next batsman in line. I'll always have one! But good on Bluey for backing himself.”

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