Close to complete performance, says England’s Bairstow

England opener Jonny Bairstow said Sunday’s 31-run victory over previously unbeaten India was the closest the hosts have come to a complete performance in the Cricket World Cup. Bairstow was man of the match after scoring 111 in England’s 337, also fielding brilliantly as India managed 306-5 in reply. “It came together today,” Bairstow said.

“The closest to a complete performance we have had. It was important to set the platform. We were reacting to each ball. “Having been in the IPL it has helped me play spin and how to build an innings in all conditions. The ball did bits at first, I had some inside edges and you ride your luck when you can.”

England were boosted considerably by the return of Jason Roy, who hit an aggressive 66 in a superb 160-run opening stand. “It was great to be back out there and putting together another big partnership,” said Roy, who missed the last three games with a hamstring injury. “It was horrible to be out of the team but I needed to stay positive and I knew if I worked hard I would be back out on the pitch.