Gooch backs Bairstow to banish his short bowling demons

London - England batting coach Graham Gooch has given his full support to batsman Jonny Bairstow, saying he will go on to become a successful Test player.

Bairstow was denied an instant chance to improve on scores of 16, nought not out and four at Lord's and Trent Bridge, where he was troubled by Kemar Roach's niggling short balls, to cement his place at No 6 for this summer's Test series against South Africa.

But Gooch insists Bairstow would come good, and added he would cope up with the demands of the Test cricket.

"You don't judge a player on a few good balls, and I don't think there's anyone who's played Test cricket who hasn't punched one away from in front of his face at some stage," The Daily Mail quoted Gooch, as saying.

"Having been there myself and seeing the ball right in front of you - it's not a nice experience.  He had discomfort with a few balls against a good fast bowler. When you come in, every batsman's vulnerable and that made it uncomfortable for him," he added.

"He has to cope with the pressure of playing at the highest level but I think he's got a good attitude and, as far as I'm concerned, he'll be a successful Test player," he said.