Jonny Bairstow revealed the changes in his defensive technique that he made after a disappointing India series at home, and how it helped him play a counter-attacking 64-ball 52 against the West Indies in Antigua.

Bairstow, who walked in at No.3, found himself in the middle of a collapse as England were reduced to four down before lunch on the first day of the second Test on Thursday, 31 January. But his half-century, laden with nine fours and a six, and Moeen’s Ali’s patient 60 later in the day took England to a total of some credibility on a tough pitch before they were bundled out for 187.

“For me, if it was outside off, I would leave it alone unless it was short, then I’d throw the kitchen sink at it, to be honest,” Bairstow told Sky Sports.

“And I’d wait for the one that was a bit too full, and try not to hit it too hard when I was driving, that was something I tried to concentrate on”

"As it was, they made 187 which could yet turn out to be a competitive score if conditions continue to be difficult for batting."@PatrickNoone08 of @CricViz on the Antigua pitch and why England may still be in this Test match. https://t.co/QoV12PS7uU

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) January 31, 2019

Previously, Bairstow was found guilty of going too hard at the ball, especially in home conditions where the ball moves a lot, and was bowled on a number of occasions against India. Those problems have been addressed, he said.

“Previously, I’d gone a bit hard at the ball, but I’ve worked on my defensive game a bit more. I think it’s a case of understanding the situation you are coming in at,” he said.

“When I was coming in at No. 6 or 7, it was against a slightly older ball and guys who’ve bowled 10-12 overs. But at No.3, they’ve potentially got a new ball in hand, and are in their first spells. They are fresh, the pitch is fresh, so you’ve got to take account of that, what the ball’s doing, and the overhead conditions.”

Good as Bairstow’s knock was, the pitch at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium was not an easy one to bat on. Describing the wicket as “tough”, Bairstow said, “I don’t think you ever felt in.”

Not a great day for England.

The Windies finish on 30-0, after England were bowled out for just 187.

Is this series slipping away from the visitors?#WIvENG | #WIvsENG

SCORECARD ➡️ https://t.co/mvoVZGAUlR pic.twitter.com/TnZwNEedRQ

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) January 31, 2019

He added, “You always knew there was one that might bounce or keep low, especially when they’ve got three guys who are well over six foot. They made us make decisions on a pitch that was bowler-friendly, certainly in the first couple of sessions.

“If you look at the pitch, there’s two different grass types. From where the balls were bouncing, there was either a ridge there or something to do with the grass, but unfortunately a few dismissals came from balls that made us play certain shots.”

England bowled 21 overs on the day and although they didn’t get any wickets, they gave away only 30 runs. Bairstow applauded the bowlers and said the early parts of the second day will be “interesting”.

“I thought we bowled really well tonight, and were unlucky not to get a few nicks,” he said. “The boys put the ball in the right areas, and to only be 30 off 21 overs is a testament to that fact. The ball went past the bat many, many times and on another day you’d nick a few.”