Regarded among the finest wicketkeepers globally, Ben Foakes was dropped in favour of a returning Jonny Bairstow for the Ashes series that England levelled 2-2 against Australia, despite scoring a fifty and century in three Tests. It was a snub that left the 30-year-old Foakes feeling lost initially as he was dropped despite some good performances. Foakes watched the Ashes from the sidelines as Bairstow, who was returning from a long-term injury, was preferred by the England team management for his batting prowess.