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Rob Key, England’s managing director for the men’s team, suggested that Jonny Bairstow’s Test career might be over following his exclusion from the squad for the upcoming series against West Indies. England’s recent squad announcement saw Bairstow and Ben Foakes dropped, with the uncapped Jamie Smith getting a chance as the team seeks to rebuild after a disappointing tour of India earlier this year.

Bairstow had previously been a key player, notably shining during the home season under the captaincy of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum in 2022, where he scored four centuries in five matches. However, his return to action after a year-long absence due to a golfing accident resulting in a broken leg has seen his form decline significantly. During the recent India tour, Bairstow struggled, managing a top score of only 38 across 10 innings.

Rob Key commented on Jonny Bairstow’s Test career after the squad announcement, noting that Bairstow’s recent form decline across various formats led to his exclusion. Key also pointed out concerns from the England team management about Bairstow’s ability to sustain his wicketkeeping responsibilities series after series, suggesting that England may be looking beyond him in Test cricket.

“People are never happy when they’re dropped, and I never want them to be,” Key said.

“Jonny just needs to get back to what he was a couple of years ago. Generally his form, in all formats, has just been going slightly in the wrong direction.

“You want him to get back to what he was when Brendon and Ben [Stokes] started out. It’s an arduous task being a keeper. You want someone who can back up series after series, and we weren’t convinced that Jonny would be able to do that, especially at the stage of his career that he’s at,” added Key.