India vs England | Injured Jonny Bairstow likely to miss fourth Test against India

Bairstow suffered a minor finger fracture while keeping to James Anderson’s swinging delivery. The ball hit the tip of Bairstow’s finger as it swung after pitching which made things difficult for the 28-year-old. He was seen to be in a lot of pain and had to walk back to the pavilion immediately.

The hosts, who are currently struggling in the third Test, could be forced to make a few changes to their poor batting line-up before the next encounter. However, Bairstow, who has been one of England’s shining lights, scored 206 runs at an average of 51.50 including two half-centuries in the ongoing series.

Speaking of his injury, Bairstow said that the ball wobbled a bit after pitching as he tried to grab it. He hoped to recover soon considering the magnitude of the injury and felt that some icing would help.

“The ball wobbled and I just copped it on the end. It is part and parcel of the job. We are going to see how it is tomorrow morning. Thankfully it is a fracture and it’s not displaced. We are hopeful a bit of icing overnight and some protection will help,” Bairstow said.

After winning the first two matches at Edgbaston and Lord’s, England certainly have not replicated those performances in the ongoing match. After letting India score a decent total of 329 in the first innings, England were bowled out for 161. With the poor performance on the field (with the ball) in the second innings as well, England have let the visitors set a mammoth target of 521 which will be very difficult to chase.