Bairstow plays down exchange with Kohli

bowled through the gate. I’ve just stripped it back and tried to concentrate on watching the ball.”

Bairstow also shed a little light on the challenge of facing India’s new-ball pair of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, who were able to bowl almost unchanged through the first 30 overs of the innings because of rain delays.

“There was a consolidation we had to go through,” he admitted. “They bowled very well last night and this morning. The ball was swinging and it was just about trying to shift that momentum back. Trying to manipulate the field into places you’re able to score. But you’re also going to have to take a couple of risks.”

One incident Bairstow was keen to play down was his pointed conversation with Virat Kohli in the tense morning session. “Nah, literally nothing to it,” he said.

“Two very competitive people out on the field doing what they love, 11 guys that are very passionate about their country. It was great craic out there. I hope that clears it up.”

So: what can England chase? The India seamer Mohammad Siraj refused to reveal if India – who need only a draw to clinch the series – would be inclined towards an attacking declaration on day four. And naturally Bairstow was not going to put a ceiling on England’s ambition.

“Whatever’s set is set and we’ll go about it,” he said. “We’ll be looking to go after it in the same manner.”

And besides, this is now an England team with a sense of mission, playing for something bigger than the simple ledger of wins and losses. “You’re going to lose games of cricket,” Bairstow said. “People are going to be better than you. But if we’re enjoying the way we’re playing the game, performance will go up. That can only enhance the game of Test cricket and inspire the next group of Test cricketers to come through.”

‘They bowled very well this morning. The ball was swinging and we were trying to shift momentum back’

Jonny Bairstow England batter