Andrew Gale is backing Jonny Bairstow to prove the England selectors wrong after he was left out of their Test squad for November’s series in New Zealand.
On Monday, Bairstow was omitted from a new look 15-man squad which includes only one Yorkshireman – captain Joe Root – for a two-Test series between November 20 and December 2.
Jos Buttler has been preferred as the first choice wicketkeeper, while Ollie Pope will provide back-up.
Bairstow scored 214 runs in five Ashes Tests this summer with one half-century and took 20 catches and two stumpings.
“I’m gutted for Jonny because I don’t think he’s done that much wrong,” said Yorkshire’s coach Gale. “Alright, he didn’t have the Ashes series he would have wanted, but it’s not been terrible for him.
“He’s had a hectic summer.
“He did really well at the IPL and bounced back really well in the World Cup with those hundreds (against India and New Zealand) when people were doubting him.
“You can name umpteen times in his career when people have written him off and he comes back and sets it alight again.
“Jonny Bairstow, who is hungry for runs with a point to prove and the bit between his teeth, is a dangerous prospect for the opposition.
“I’m sure Jonny will be hurting, but a bit of time away to refresh himself and recharge the batteries, something which he hasn’t had for a while, and he will come back stronger.”