'That was definitely the keeper’s catch' - Mark Taylor critics Jonny Bairstow's awareness after Harry Brook's stunner

Jonny Bairstow's struggles with the gloves in the ongoing Ashes was typified on the third day of the Headingley Test when he made an absolute meal of a routine catch, only for Harry Brook to save his blushes. The local boy was caught in no man's land as his indecisiveness nearly handed a reprieve to Mitchell Starc.

England's wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow has come under scrutiny for his lacklustre showing behind the wickets in the three matches so far. The Yorkshireman has dropped several catches in the ongoing Ashes, raising question marks on his selection ahead of specialist wicketkeeper Ben Foakes. 

Bairstow, who was at the eye of the 'spirit of cricket' storm after his controversial dismissal at Lord's, almost made another blunder when Australia's Mitchell Starc skied a pull shot. While Harry Brook grabbed the catch after a brilliant diving effort, Bairstow's hesitation to go for the catch was picked up by the experts calling the game.

“There was real confusion for a minute because Bairstow looked at Brook. Brook looked at Bairstow. Well done Harry Brook there. I reckon that was Jonny Bairstow’s catch. Particularly without the gloves and with the helmet on. That’s tough for him going backwards. Yes or no. That was definitely the keeper’s catch. Gee Brook did well,” former Aussie Test captain Mark Taylor said on Sky Sports.

That’s one of the weirdest catches I’ve ever seen: Damien Fleming

Former Australian pacer Damien Fleming also weighed in with his opinion, highlighting Bairstow's reluctance to attempt the catch. Both Brook and Bairstow looked at each other a couple of times before the former went for the catch, holding onto the ball after a marvellous dive. 

"That’s one of the weirdest catches I’ve ever seen. It was almost like you needed the Benny Hill music there. He stopped about three times. Bairstow was nowhere near him. To think he wouldn’t catch that after how it was played, it would have been insane,” Damien Fleming said on SEN