Saturday 20 June 2015 22:47, UK
England hero Jonny Bairstow was beaming with pride after hitting an unbeaten 83 at Durham to seal an ODI series win over New Zealand.
The 25-year-old Yorkshireman was called in to the side due to an injury to wicket-keeper Jos Buttler and seized his chance – helping England chase down a Duckworth-Lewis-calculated 192 off 26 overs to seal a 3-2 series win.
Reflecting on the shaky position England were in when he arrived at the crease, Bairstow told Sky Sports: "You're 45-5 – it's only human nature to be slightly concerned.
"But at the same time you've got two guys at the crease there – myself and Sam [Billings] – who were well capable of getting us close. The guys have put so much work into the series.
"We've seen a massive shift and a tremendous series. The amount of hard work and belief that the guys have shown this series is fantastic.
We've seen a massive shift and a tremendous series... the amount of hard work and belief that the guys have shown this series is fantastic.
"For me to come into that kind of dressing room [is great], putting a little performance into what has been a huge series.
"It's something very special and this group of players is very special. We've got a very long way to go to see how good we can be, but that's exciting.
"I'm delighted to have done that today," added Bairstow, who was dropped on 39 and then 56. "'Farbs [coach Paul Farbrace] said to me before, 'It's your game - just go out and play'.
"It suited me down to the ground and I'm really, really chuffed to see us home. I was given a couple of chances, but that's the game of cricket."
