Jonny Bairstow has suffered a freak injury while playing golf and will now miss the final Test between England and South Africa, as well as the T20 World Cup.
In a statement, the ECB announced that Ben Duckett will replace Bairstow in England's Test squad, although Harry Brook is likely to be handed a debut. Alex Hales has been named as his replacement for the World Cup.
"England and Yorkshire batter Jonathan Bairstow has been ruled out of the rest of the summer and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup," the statement read. "Bairstow sustained a lower limb injury in a freak accident whilst playing golf on Friday in Leeds.
"He will see a specialist next week to ascertain the full extent of the injury. Nottinghamshire batter Ben Duckett has been added to the Test squad for the LV= Insurance third Test at the Kia Oval starting next Thursday.
"A further announcement will be made in due course on who will replace Bairstow in England's ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad." Bairstow reportedly slipped while walking to a tee box and his injury comes a major blow for England.
The 32-year-old has been in brilliant form this summer and had been earmarked to open alongside Jos Buttler at the World Cup after Jason Roy was dropped. "We felt Jonny Bairstow is one of the best openers in T20 cricket in the world," Managing Director of England Men's Cricket Rob Key said earlier today about the decision to drop Roy and promote Bairstow.
"He's done it in the IPL, but been very good in the middle order as well, and we felt the best combination at this time was Jonny and Jos." England will now have to rethink their plans for the World Cup, with Phil Salt the spare opener in the squad and Dawid Malan also an option at the top of the order.
In a statement on Instagram, Bairstow revealed he will need an operation, writing: "Unfortunately I am going to be unavailable of all games/ tours in the immediate future. The reason being is that I have injured my lower leg in a freak accident and it shall need an operation.
"The injury came when I slipped on the golf course this morning. I am gutted and want to wish everyone for this week at The Oval all the best firstly and the boys that are going to Australia for the T20 World Cup. Absolutely gutted! I will be back… Jonathan Marc".
