Jonny Bairstow rips Josh Hazlewood over sad claim about fourth Ashes Test

Jonny Bairstow has expressed his surprise at comments from Josh Hazlewood that the Aussies are hoping for rain in the fourth Ashes Test, while also taking a swipe over his controversial dismissal at Lord's. Bairstow made a brilliant 99 not out on day three as England amassed 592 in their second innings, before Australia were reduced to 4-113 by the close of play.

Still trailing by 162 runs with two days remaining, Australia's only hope of avoiding defeat appears to be with the weather. Heavy rain is forecast for the entirety of day four on Saturday, and there are also showers predicted for day five.

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With the tourists only needing a draw in the fourth Test to retain the Ashes, Hazlewood said his side would be more than happy if rain ruins England's chances. The Poms need to win the fourth and fifth Tests to reclaim the urn.

"I'd be very pleased (if it rained)," Hazlewood said. "It's obviously forecast and forecasts can change all the time. Obviously rain and light plays a big part in cricket and has done forever.

"So yeah, it'd be great to lose a few overs here and there and make our job a little easier of hanging in there. That's pretty obvious."

Those comments immediately raised eyebrows in the England camp, with Bairstow questioning Australia's mindset when told of them. "Obviously the way in which we have played the game and have played the way over the past 18 months is something we are very proud of," he said.

"If that's the comments that are coming through, well the weather is the weather. I'm not (veteran British weatherman) Michael Fish."

Jonny Bairstow condemns controversial second Test dismissal

The England wicketkeeper also took a shot at the Aussies over his contentious dismissal in the second Test, which saw Alex Carey stump him when his counterpart left the crease early thinking the over was finished. Carey's actions were completely legal considering the umpires never called over, but many in England have claimed he went against the 'spirit of the game'.

"It wasn't the way I wanted to be out down at Lord's," Bairstow told Sky Sports in his first public comments about the incident. "That is part and parcel now of the game. We have seen it in other occasions.

"I have even heard about it (happening) now in club cricket. That's not necessarily what you want to be hearing.

"The example for me is when you are looking at young kids coming up. You want to be playing the game and play it how I have always played it, you play it tough, you play it fair. And on a different day it doesn't happen."

Bairstow also fired back at critics of his wicketkeeping abilities after missing eight of 20 chances presented to him across the first three matches of the series. He had been completely outplayed by Carey, but bucked the trend at Old Trafford by taking all five opportunities that have come his way - including a brilliant low catch to dismiss Mitch Marsh in the first innings.

The England veteran is also still recovering from a badly broken leg he suffered less than 12 months ago. "There's obviously been some chitter chatter and opinions, that have been rather interesting at times," Bairstow told reporters. "Especially when there's not been many conversations around how my ankle is.

"Whether they're fair or not, it's up to you guys to decide, because you guys are writing the different bits. To have the injury that I had and back playing international sport within nine months is something I'm incredibly proud of."

with AAP

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