Clarke: Hey Jonny, this isn't going to be county cricket

JonnyBairstow - Cropped

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As the in-form Jonny Bairstow prepares for his first involvement in the 2015 Ashes, Australia captain Michael Clarke has warned the England man of the step up in standard he faces.

Yorkshire's Bairstow has been selected ahead of county team-mate Gary Ballance for the third Test at Edgbaston, after a stellar run of form in the domestic game.

In 12 County Championship innings this season, Bairstow has made 980 runs, including five centuries and four fifties, averaging 108.89.

Visiting skipper Clarke recognises the talent of the 25-year-old, whose last Test outing came in January 2014 during the previous Ashes rubber, but is confident Australia's bowling attack can limit his scoring.

"He's a really good player, an attacking player whose performed well in county cricket this year," Clarke said.

"We've looked at footage in the lead up to this Test; we know where we have to bowl but we have to have that discipline.

"I would hope the attack he's about to face is a bit different to the ones he's faced in county cricket, but you can only score runs against who you're playing."

Australia still have concerns over Chris Rogers, who retired hurt with dizzy spells in the second innings at Lord's, and Clarke was unable to shed much light on the opener's progress on Tuesday.

"I haven't seen him yet today. He batted well in the nets [on Monday], so we'll see how he pulled up today," said Clarke.

The touring skipper also had words of praise for the out-of-form Ian Bell, set to bat at three for England this week.

"He's a great fella and a hell of a player who has been very successful for England over a long period of time," Clarke added.

"I don't think it will bother Bell moving to three, certainly on his own ground.

"Even if he doesn't score more runs in this Test I think he'll be an England player for a long time to come. I hope he goes on to make many hundreds but just after this series."

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