When father’s suicide led Jonny Bairstow into English side

New Delhi: Actress Jiah Khan’s suicide has sent shockwaves across the nation. The doctors, as of now, have stated depression as the likely reason for her suicide.  

Cricket too, has thrown up instances of depression accounting for some of its finest practitioners.

An ex-England cricketer who represented Yorkshire in the county circuit with distinction is one such casualty. An aggressive batsman and efficient wicketkeeper, he turned up for four test matches for England as well.

However, his suicide, allegedly due to depression, fuelled his son to don England colours as a wicketkeeper-batsman.

Read on to know about this father-son duo

The young cricketer we’re alluding to is Jonathan Bairstow. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, Bairstow has cemented his place in the English T-20 side. He is now trying to consolidate his position in the Test and ODI teams.

Johnny Bairstow’s father David was an accomplished county cricketer, and went on to represent England in four Tests. 

Renowned for his attacking strokeplay, David amassed more than 13,000 runs from 459 matches, besides scalping more than 1000 victims behind the stumps.

  

With players like Bob Taylor and Paul Downton in its ranks, the English team could not find a regular spot for David Bairstow. Post retirement from county circuit, David took to radio commentary, but soon became a victim of depression. He ended his life by drug overdose.
  

David’s death had a defining impact on son Johnathan’s life, who decided to become a wicketkeeper-batsman like his father. He made his international debut for England in 2011, and is seen as one of the more promising young cricketers around.