Jonny Bairstow’s maiden century, to hand England a seven-wicket victory against the Windies, is SACricketmag.com‘s Play of the Day.
The wicketkeeper-batsman retained his position at the top of the order after he replaced Jason Roy in the Champions Trophy, and showed selectors why he is the right choice for the opening spot.
After rain reduced the overs at Old Trafford to 42 a side, West Indies stepped out needing a victory to avoid having to play in the qualifying tournament to reach the 2019 World Cup.
Chris Gayle (27-ball 37), Shai Hope (35) and Jason Holder (33-ball 41) were the only useful contributions for the visitors as the England reduced them to 204-9.
Ben Stokes’ 3-43 was crucial to his side’s dominance with the ball, but it was a sensational debut ton from Bairstow that ensured an England victory.
His 97-ball 100, which included 11 fours, came in the middle of the 30th over when he smashed one through the covers and ran three, to leave England within three runs for victory with 69 balls to spare.
Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
