Bresnan puts his faith in Bairstow

Published on 15/08/2012 00:09

Tim Bresnan sees no reason why England should miss Kevin 
Pietersen in the crucial third and final Test against South 
Africa – and suggested Andrew Strauss might have an “even better side” at his disposal. Pietersen was dropped by England after failing to reveal the contents of text messages allegedly sent to South African players during the drawn match at Headingley.

England have replaced 
Pietersen with Jonny Bairstow and Bresnan said: “It may be an even better side. It’s one of those things where a talented player is being replaced by another talented player.”

Bairstow, 22, was dropped by England after his third Test against West Indies amid concerns he was having trouble handling the short ball. But Bresnan added: “He’s [Pietersen] a good player, we’ve got Jonny Bairstow to replace him. He’s obviously a very talented player. He got a hundred last week, so he’s full of confidence and in great form.”