Bairstow’s last Test for England came against Australia in January 2014

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England have decided to drop batsman Gary Ballance for the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston and have called up wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow as his replacement.

Fellow batsman Ian Bell, who is under immense pressure to make some runs at the moment, will move up to number three on the batting line-up, while Joe Root will come in at four and Bairstow at five.

Other than the addition of Bairstow, there were no other changes made to the 13-man squad, who will be looking to bounce back from their 405-run thrashing during the second Test at Lord’s.

“Gary was naturally disappointed to miss out on this occasion, however we feel that he will benefit from some time in county cricket to rediscover his form,” national selector James Whitaker said. “He has already had plenty of success at international level and, as selectors, we are confident Gary will play a significant role for England in the future.

“The break ahead of the third Test will give the squad time to reflect on the series so far and a chance to focus on playing the positive, confident cricket we saw in Cardiff. For the third Test Ian Bell will move up the order to bat at three followed by Joe Root with Jonny Bairstow coming in at five.”

Bairstow, who plays for Yorkshire, has been in red-hot form in the County Championship this season as he has already scored 906 runs, which includes five centuries, at a jaw-dropping average of 100.66.

“Jonny has worked extremely hard at his game and his record for Yorkshire speaks for itself,” Whitaker said. “He fully deserves this opportunity.”

The third Test of the Ashes series, which is currently tied 1-1, will get underway on July 29.