Jonny Bairstow was full of praise for England’s new batting consultant Jacques Kallis.

Kallis has joined England for their tour of Sri Lanka, and Bairstow lauded his involvement.

‘I think it is a fantastic addition, someone of Jacques’ calibre,’ Bairstow told reporters in a virtual chat from his hotel room in Hambantota.

‘The things he has done within the game, in my eyes he is the best all-rounder that there has ever been. Someone that batted at the top of the order, caught absolute flies at slip and got so many wickets as well.’

Kallis scored 13,289 runs at an average of over 55 in 166 Tests and took 292 wickets with his pace bowling during his 19-year international career.

Bairstow, 31, believes he has a lot to learn from Kallis, who is in isolation in Sri Lanka and should join the squad on Friday.

‘There are so many different aspects you could speak to him about. I am really intrigued to spend more time with him and gauge and understand the process,’ said Bairstow.

‘Because to string all three bits together so successfully, over such a long period of time, is a skill in itself. It’s great to have Jacques around and I am really looking forward to spending some time with him and working with him.’