Cardiff, Sept 16: Winning the Man-of-the-Match award on debut, Jonathan Bairstow played a splendid 41 not out to help England beat India at Sophia Gardens by six wickets in the last ODI of the series. The 21-year-old Yorkshireman was involved in a 75-run unbroken partnership with Ravi Bopara as England cruised to victory with ten balls to spare.

Cricket runs in the family of this young cricketer; he is the son of former cricketer David Bairstow and younger sibling of another cricketer, Andrew Bairstow. The batsman, like his father and brother, also keeps wicket and had made an impression in the county and junior circuits before making a dream debut for the national side.

Excerpts from his post-match media-interview:

On the dream start to his international career

Yes, it was that, obviously. I got called in and then started contributing.

On the advice from former Yorkshireman Geoffrey Boycott who presented him the England cap

He just said relax and enjoy and that’s what I tried to do.

On looking like he belonged in the side right from the outset

Yes, [I was eager to soak in] that experience […]

On whether being around the side earlier helped him ease into his role in the team

Yes, […] before Christmas [I spent some time] with the guys before the Ashes series and then obviously after Christmas in the Caribbean and that was a great experience; something that helped me for the future.

On this game helping him find his feet in one-day cricket

Yes, I would like to think so. My one-day cricket before here wasn’t great, but I was pleased with the way I played for Yorkshire and now this is fantastic.

On whether there are opportunities for young players in the England one-day side

With the few injuries and rests, obviously […] With the injuries there are at the moment, there are lots of opportunities but I am not sure that will [translate to more spots for youngsters].

On his mother, present at the ground, being proud of her son’s performance

Yes, I don’t know where she is but she is down somewhere right there.