Newcastle have helped wicketkeeper Bairstow - Farbrace

Omnisports

May 23, 2016 2:29 AM

England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow honed his skills after spending some time training with now relegated Premier League side Newcastle United.

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England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow honed his skills after spending some time training with now relegated Premier League side Newcastle United, said assistant coach Paul Farbrace.

Bairstow had a Test to remember both with his hands and the bat as England crushed touring Sri Lanka by an innings and 88 runs inside three days at Headingley.

The 26-year-old, who was a footballer in his youth and played for Leeds United up until the age of 15, took nine catches after making 140 on his home ground.

And England assistant Farbrace revealed Bairstow's positioning has benefited from working with Newcastle goalkeeper Robbie Elliot at St James' Park.

"He did one session with the goalkeeping coaches at Newcastle on balance and shape of the body," said Farbrace.

"He really enjoyed that and got a lot from it. Simon Smith, who is their goalkeeping coach, Robbie Elliott and Karl Darlow [reserve keeper] had a session and they had a really good day making sure you are balanced before moving one way or another.

"The work with [England wicketkeeping coach Bruce French] Frenchy has really helped him and he has had an excellent game behind the stumps.

"When you're in the game every ball it is much easier to concentrate and if you think you are going to get a nick every ball it is a good place to be as a keeper as opposed to one coming past the bat every 25 minutes."

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