'If I were a fruit, I'd be an orange'

You won the Young Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year in 2008 and were described as "Jonathan Bairstow, who bowls as well as bats". What has happened with the bowling?
That is correct! The bowling has taken a back seat to my keeping. I turn the arm over every now and again in the nets. I can either bowl offspin or just very, very slow.

They talk about "dream debuts". Being named Man of the Match in your first England game has to sum up that phrase perfectly.
It does. It was absolutely perfect. It was a dream come true for me. It was amazing to represent my country, for a start. Then to contribute and win the Man-of-the-Match award in front of a lot of my family, who were at the ground, was brilliant.

Geoff Boycott presented you with your first Test cap. How special was that?
It was something I won't forget. He's a very special man and he was a close friend of my dad. I felt very proud.

Is the 95 against South Africa the best innings you have ever played?
I would say it was, yes.

Michael Vaughan reckoned had you converted it, it would have been the finest maiden Test century he had ever seen.
I don't think about that. I'm looking forward to getting the chance to make one even better.

What did you learn from being part of the Ashes tour in the winter?
How very tough cricket is in Australia. I worked a lot on technique and put in the hours working on my game - but the result was bitterly disappointing.

You have been working closely with Andy Flower. What is it like to learn from him?
Andy was in charge down under and now he's with the England Lions. It's fantastic working with someone of that experience and he's been brilliant.

Where do you see your England chances now?
I can't comment.

Which team-mate is the most likely to run you out?
Adil Rashid.

Who has the worst chat between overs?
Alex Lees, because of his dulcet tones.

If you were a fruit, what would you be?
An orange, because of my hair.

If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be?
Jonny Wilkinson on the day England won the 2003 [rugby] World Cup final.

What would you be doing now if you were not a cricketer?
Probably still be at university.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
To enjoy every moment.

Ryan Sidebottom told us you were one of the untidiest team-mates he had ever shared a dressing room with. What would you say to that?
I am! No, I'd say his hair is the most untidy I've ever shared a dressing room with.

Where is the one place in Yorkshire everyone must go?
Whitby, to see Adam Lyth.

Which ground does the best teas?
Lord's.

What is the worst pitch you have ever played on?
I played an Under-13 game on an astroturf, and James Taylor was playing against us. It was a bit bumpy.

What is your favourite shot?
Hitting over mid-off off the spinners.

How many grips are on your bat?
Just the one.