Alastair Cook urges England to drop this star batter to turn things around in Ranchi Test

Former England captain Alastair Cook has asked the team management to drop wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow from the fourth Test against England in Ranchi to safeguard the player, who has delivered abysmal returns with the bat thus far. Bairstow has scored 102 runs with a highest score of 37 at an average of 17 in the six innings he has played until now.

Cook is backing the inclusion of Dan Lawrence in the place of Bairstow, as he believes that the all-rounder can deliver better returns. The southpaw mentioned that batters face mouting pressure and momentum when bowlers start getting the better of them amidst a run of lean form. However, Michael Atherton is of the belief that the management will give Bairstow another run in the playing XI.

"I'm taking him out of the firing line to protect the player, as I think he's had a tough tour so far and India is a tough place to keep going on the treadmill," Cook said on 'TNT Sport'.