04 November,2012 02:11 AM IST | | PA Sport
Yet he appears well aware he is far from a likely participant when England's four-match series gets under way against India in Ahmedabad on November 15.
Bairstow in action vs Mumbai âA' at the DY Patil Stadium on Saturday. PIC/Atul Kamble
The 23-year-old Yorkshireman's 118 was the bedrock of England's 338 for six on Day One of their second tour match against Mumbai âA' at the Dr DY Patil Stadium.
Bairstow, Eoin Morgan (76) and the in-form Samit Patel (59 n o) did not disappoint as England recovered from a vulnerable 66 for four at lunchtime. "You want to be one of the 11 guys who pulls on the shirt and represents England," he said.
"But if at the end of the day the balance of side means you miss out, then so be it. You keep working hard, and if you're not selected spend the Test in the nets."
He will not be sulking, if others are preferred. "I'd be pleased if I did get the call, but the balance of the team is the most important thing. I wouldn't say (I'd feel) hard done by, because at the end of the day the team comes first," he said.u00a0
