Jonny Bairstow could miss England's first T20I match vs South Africa

England batter Jonny Bairstow is unlikely to feature in the first fixture of the T20I series against South Africa on Wednesday (July 27) at Bristol. 

The 32-year-old reportedly sustained a knee injury, while doing lunges carrying teammate Sam Curran. The Barmy Army posted a video of the activity on Tuesday which went viral. 

According to reports, Bairstow left Bristol's Seat Unique Stadium with ice packs and was heavily strapped around his left knee. If the injury is indeed serious, the Yorkshire batter may miss the second T20I as well, scheduled on Thursday. 

However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has not given any update on Bairstow’s fitness, with just a few hours to go for the first fixture.

Who can fill the boots of Jonny Bairstow in the lineup?

The prolific batter is in the form of his life and has been outstanding across all formats. He helped the Three Lions secure a red-ball series win against New Zealand. He played a key role in England's win over India in the fifth Test as well. 

In the ODI leg of the ongoing South Africa series, Bairstow scored 91 runs in three innings, which was the most by an English player. 

In the absence of Bairstow, Phil Salt may be promoted to the opening slot alongside Jason Roy. The experienced campaigner Dawid Malan will bat at number three. 

Harry Brook is expected to be an addition to the XI. Earlier, he contributed 55 runs in three innings of the T20I series against India. 

England’s Probable XI: Jason Roy, Philip Salt, Dawid Malan, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley

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