Jonny Bairstow has confirmed he will "absolutely" be available to play in England's one-off Test against Ireland two weeks before the Ashes starts, but admitted he is unsure if he will be used as a specialist batter or a wicketkeeper.
Bairstow has been out of action for almost eight months now after breaking his leg in three places and dislocating his ankle during a freak accident while playing golf. However, the 33-year-old is set to make his return for Yorkshire in the County Championship next month ahead of the Ashes.
Before his injury, Bairstow was in the form of his life, smashing 1,061 runs and six centuries at an average of 66.31 last year. And after undergoing surgery where a metal plate was inserted into his left leg, Bairstow is "nearing the end of the recovery process" and "can't wait" to be back playing cricket.
