Jonny Bairstow is relishing the start of England's "new journey" against New Zealand at Lord's this week.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bairstow only returned from his spell with Indian Premier League side Punjab Kings last Monday and has yet to play any red ball cricket this season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But the wicketkeeper-batsman immediately joined up with Ben Stokes' side ahead of Thursday's first Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With new England Test captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum starting their reign, Bairstow is keen to get a feel for the new regime.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I don't want a rest. I've never been one for resting when there's opportunities to play for England," Bairstow told reporters on Monday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It is extremely special and that has always been my goal, to play for England as long as I can. Lord's is a fantastic place for us to be to start the new journey, it all begins on Thursday and it should be great fun. It's exciting."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
McCullum took England training for the first time on Monday as the New Zealander returned to Lord's, where the Black Caps team he captained lost to England in the 50-over World Cup final in 2019.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bairstow was a key player in the white-ball transformation and is looking forward to being part of McCullum's red-ball overhaul.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Brendon is someone I've always wanted to work with. He's someone I've played against and grown up watching and was very intrigued by," he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He's someone I've looked up to in many ways for the way he went about his cricket. I'm really excited about the prospect of hopefully working with him for a long period of time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"The experience he has got, playing all those games for New Zealand and his coaching experience he's got, he can bring that to the guys.<\/p>\r\n\r\n