SMASH OF THE TITANS

Brutal Bairstow out to hit rivals for six

- DEAN WILSON

JONNY BAIRSTOW reckons England can still hit the same batting heights as before and lay claim to be the most powerful batting line-up in world cricket.

That title has come under serious threat in recent times by South Africa, their opponents on Saturday – and where better to settle the debate than at a high-scoring favourite in Mumbai.

It was at the Wankhede Stadium where the Proteas once hit a monster 438-4 against India, while they broke the World Cup record just under two weeks ago with 428-5 against Sri Lanka.

England, though, hold the record for an ODI with 4984 against the Dutch last year and they also have the next two highest totals in the list.