Three centuries in as many Tests for the Yorkshire batter has sparked conversation over the composition of the XI when Bairstow returns to full fitness, but the Yorkshire youngster believes there is no debate to be had
Harry Brook believes Jonny Bairstow deserves his place back in the England Test side upon his return to full fitness, despite enjoying a record-breaking series against Pakistan.
The 23-year-old registered his third century in as many matches on day two of the third Test in Karachi.
He simultaneously became England's highest run-scorer in a Test series in Pakistan, surpassing David Gower's 449 in 1984.
It follows scores of 153 and 108 in the first two Tests as England secured an unassailable 2-0 lead to clinch a first series win in Pakistan since 2000.
Brook's form leaves chief selector Luke Wright, captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum with a dilemma when Bairstow, currently sidelined with a broken leg suffered while playing golf in September, returns to full fitness in the New Year.
But the 23-year-old is under no illusions regarding his place in the side.
"Jonny is one of the best players, if not the best, in the world," Brook said.
"Most selectors say they like headaches, so hopefully I've caused a very big migraine.
Brook went to a third Test century in Karachi as England took a first-innings lead (ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images)
"For me, Jonny comes straight back into the side. I'm not selecting the team, but he is such a big player for this side and has been for so many years."
Bairstow has been one of the defining figures of England's Test revival in the Stokes-McCullum era. During a glittering summer, he crashed four centuries in six Tests, leading successful run-chases against New Zealand at Trent Bridge and Headingley, before striking twin hundreds on the way to beating India at Edgbaston.
England are next in Test action when they go to New Zealand in February. They may not need to find an immediate solution to their predicament until next summer, with reports suggesting Bairstow may not return until the Indian Premier League.
Bairstow's destructive batting was one of the defining images of the 2022 summer (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Brook's latest heroic display helped England establish a 50-run lead after both sides had batted once, with Pakistan reducing that advantage to 29 after closing on day two on 21 for 0.
"We'd have probably taken that lead at the start of the day," admitted Brook, whose 111 came off 150 deliveries. "I can only see this pitch getting worse. It's starting to crack up a little bit and pieces are coming out.
"Hopefully, we get rewards tomorrow morning. We have got to stick to it. If we're persistent all day, I think we'll be on the right side of where we want to be tomorrow evening."
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