Watch day two of the second Test between Windies and England, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 1.30pm on Friday
Friday 1 February 2019 11:39, UK
Jonny Bairstow admitted that England found it tough to adjust to the pitch in Antigua after being bowled out for 187 on day one of the second Test against Windies.
The tourists, 1-0 down in the series, were indebted to half-centuries from Bairstow and Moeen Ali (60), having struggled again with the bat after being put in.
"It was tough, you could see the variable bounce that we had to contend with," reflected Bairstow.
"They put the ball in good areas and made us make decisions on a pitch that was probably bowler friendly, especially in the first couple of sessions this morning.
"There are two different grass types on it. On the outside where the balls were bouncing from, there's either a ridge there or there's something to do with the grass. There are a few variables with that but you have to counter-act them.
"I don't think you felt in because you always knew there was a ball in there that could bounce or keep low. Especially when they have three guys (bowling) there that are well over six foot.
"I think it's something that is difficult to contend with when there is variable bounce in the pitch."
Bairstow added: "I think that it's just a case of understanding the situation when you come in. I think when you come in at six and seven you are against an older ball.
"Coming in at three you have guys that are fresh with a new ball in their hand potentially, in their first spells on a pitch that is fresh.
"You have to take account of the pitch, what the ball is doing, the overhead conditions and everything else."
Bairstow also had to keep wicket at short notice ahead of the Windies' first innings after Ben Foakes suffered a bruised hand while batting.
"It is difficult, naturally, but you just have to go out and it's like riding a bike in many ways," Bairstow said.
"You catch a few and you get back into the rhythm. You have to enjoy it and hopefully Foakesy is okay for tomorrow."
Bairstow praised England's bowlers, adding: "Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day.
"I thought we bowled extremely well tonight. I thought we were unlucky not to get a few nicks. The boys put the ball in the right areas.
"To be 30 off 21 or 22 overs I think is a testament to the way we bowled. The indecision that has been coming has been coming from that length that is slightly less full.
"You can say you should have gone fuller but at the same time, I don't think that they went overly full all the time. The ball went past the bat many times and on another day, you can nick a few of those."
Watch day two of the second Test between Windies and England, in Antigua, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event from 1.30pm on Friday.
You can also follow over-by-over commentary and in-play clips on our rolling blog on skysports.com and the Sky Sports app.
