Jonny Bairstow has streamlined his abundant sporting talent to one discipline – but will still be England’s all-round action man in today’s opening fixture of their India tour.

In the absence of Craig Kieswetter, otherwise engaged in Somerset’s Champions League exploits, England need a wicketkeeper against a Hyderabad Cricket Assoc-iation XI at the Rajiv Ghandi Stadium.

Fortunately, after a season in that specialist role for Yorkshire, Bairstow is adept behind as well as in front of the stumps.

The 22-year-old demonstrated his precocious batting skills to great acclaim in a debut innings of 41 not out to help England beat India at Cardiff last month.

But Bairstow’s skills do not end there.

In fact, he spent most of his teenage years excelling at four different sports.

“I played football at Leeds United for seven years, hockey at university until two years ago for the first team at Leeds Met, and rugby (union) for Yorkshire.

“It was only aged about 16, 17, 18 that cricket was more in the forefront.”

Bairstow, whose late father David had to make similar choices before also keeping wicket and batting for England and Yorkshire, gradually began to sense where his greatest talents lay – although it was only a sudden change of heart that finally persuaded him.

“I think I was better at cricket. I was preparing for a ‘firsts’ game (at rugby), and something changed overnight.

“It was almost a subconscious decision that it didn’t feel right playing rugby.”

It seems to have been a good call, leaving Bairstow needing only to divide his time between batting and wicketkeeping skills.

“I’ve worked really hard on my keeping with (coach) Bruce (French) in the last couple of years and feel it has definitely improved.

“Batting is something I have done all the way up, and keeping came at a later stage. It’s something I’ve had to work hard on but I feel it is definitely improving.

“I’m pleased to be doing either. At the end of the day, you’re representing your country.”

That proud statement is especially poignant for Bairstow, whose father died when he was only eight.

He remembers: “My mum wasn’t very well, so it wasn’t easy for the family.

“It took a lot of hard work and effort to get everything back on track. We’re all pleased with the way things are going. We all pull together and I think that has made us a lot stronger as a family.”

As for his dad, he added: “I have some very fond memories, fond things that people have said.

“He was a great character and did a lot for the game.

“I remember going out to Barbados and playing on the beach, playing on the outfield at The Oval, things like that. They are fantastic memories and something I will always cherish.”

Bairstow is now emulating his father’s achievements, to the delight of his mum Janet in particular.

“It’s a very proud moment for the family and, I hope, something that will continue.

“Mum drove down to Cardiff. She did get lost, but that’s by the by.

“She’s as proud as punch and really pleased that I am over here.”