ENG vs SA 2022: [WATCH] Brendon McCullum gives batting practice to Jonny Bairstow in the nets

England batter Jonny Bairstow was seen having some batting practice in the nets, with coach Brendon McCullum throwing balls at him.

England are currently taking on South Africa in the second Test of the three-match series at Old Trafford in Manchester. The hosts are 0-1 down in the series, having lost the first Test at Lord’s by an innings and 12 runs.

Bairstow, who has been in superb form with the willow recently, had a poor Test at Lord’s. He was dismissed for 0 and 18, with fast bowler Anrich Nortje getting the better of him in both innings.

England’s Barmy Army shared a video of the wicketkeeper-batter trying to find some rhythm in the nets. The clip was shared with the caption:

“Baz McCullum feeding Jonny balls this morning. Listen carefully to “that’s SIX”. #ENGvSA.”

Bairstow scored 63 in the first ODI against South Africa in Chester-le-Street and 90 off 53 balls in the first T20I against the Proteas. Prior to that, he smashed hundreds in both innings of the rescheduled Test against India in Birmingham in July.

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England reduce South Africa to 77 for 5 by Lunch on Day 1 of 2nd Test

South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first in the second Test, which began on Thursday (August 25). They were reduced to 77 for five by Lunch. Stuart Broad and England skipper Ben Stokes claimed two wickets each, while veteran bowler James Anderson took one.

The Proteas lost both their openers cheaply. Sarel Erwee was caught behind off Anderson for three, while skipper Dean Elgar (12) edged Broad to third slip. Keegan Petersen looked good during his 21 before he too was caught in the slip cordon off Broad.

Stokes then dismissed Aiden Markram (14) and Rassie van der Dussen (16) before Lunch. Markram miscued a pull before Van der Dussen was trapped lbw.

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ENG vs SA, 2nd Test playing XIs

South Africa: Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne (w), Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi.

England: Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes(w), Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, James Anderson.