Resuming their innings on the third day at 384/4, England batters went guns and blazing to pile on the runs and establish a commanding lead over their Australian counterparts. Harry Brook (61) and Ben Stokes (51) made valuable contributions by scoring fifties for the home side, while Bairstow left everyone in awe with explosive innings lower down the order. Bairstow displayed a masterclass of aggressive stroke play, scoring an unbeaten 99 off just 81 balls and leaving the Australian bowlers struggling to find an answer. Throughout his innings, the 33-year-old exhibited exceptional timing and placement, punishing anything loose from the bowlers. He displayed an array of exquisite shots and enthralled the spectators with extraordinary batting prowess.
Soon after the exceptional batting display, Bairstow approached his century, which seemed assured as he was just one run away from reaching the three figures. However, fate had other plans as he missed the milestone by the barest margin.
It all happened in the 107th over, with Bairstow standing at the non-striker end unbeaten at 99 and Cameron Green bowling a length ball from round the wicket to James Anderson at the striker end. The ball struck Anderson’s pads, and the appeal for an LBW was upheld by the umpire. Bairstow stood helplessly at the bowling end as the replays confirmed that the ball would have gone to hit the leg stump.
The disappointment on the English wicketkeeper’s face was clearly evident, but the crowd and his teammates gave him a standing ovation for his brilliant innings.
As the news of Bairstow’s near-miss spread, Twitter erupted with an outpouring of emotions. Fans from across the world admired Bairstow’s valiant effort while commiserating with him for falling agonizingly short of a century.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Heartbreakingly cruel
Jimmy Anderson is out LBW, leaving Jonny Bairstow stranded at the non-strikers end on 9⃣9⃣*.
Incredible knock, @JBairstow21
We lead Australia by 2⃣7⃣5⃣. #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/czthZq7GKB
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 21, 2023
Jonny Bairstow brilliant innings at Old Trafford.
Bairstow remained unbeaten on 99* (81) with 10 fours and 4 sixes.
He deserves a hundred. pic.twitter.com/9FJGUwLK6S
— Nawaz(@Rnawaz31888) July 21, 2023
Brutal Batting From Jonny Bairstow managed to score 99 of 81 balls and missed out on well deserved Hundred
England All out for 592 with the lead of 275. #Ashes23 #Ashes2023 #TheAshes2023 pic.twitter.com/8iNIwfexM5
— Shaharyar Ejaz(@SharyOfficial) July 21, 2023
Heartbreak for Jonny Bairstow ()!
England post a commanding 592-run total, with Bairstow's explosive knock of 99* (81) leaving the Australian bowlers shattered.
An absolute masterclass from Bairstow, falling just one run short of a sensational century!#Ashes23 pic.twitter.com/kWDhv5HsiQ
— Vicky Singh (@VickyxCricket) July 21, 2023
What an innings by Jonny Bairstow, scoring 99 not out off 81 balls and having a vital partnership with James Anderson for the 10th wicket. He deserved a century, but unfortunately, luck was not on his side in the end..
Completely amazed by his performance. #Ashes23 https://t.co/hHHAHif0Jd
— Abinash Arjunan (@Abinash2597) July 21, 2023
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