England will miss Bairstow in the decider: Ollie Pope ahead of the third Test

Bairstow has been ruled with an injured leg. (PC- Twitter)

England Test batter Ollie Pope termed the absence of Jonny Bairstow as a 'huge disappointment' for the team ahead of the third and final Test of the three-match series.

Bairstow is believed to have fractured his left leg just above the ankle and is seeing a specialist this week to see whether he might require further surgery for the injury picked up playing golf.

The freak incident has ruled him out of the series decider of the ongoing series against South Africa and the upcoming T20I World Cup in Australia.

"It's disappointing for us all. A freak incident took place and he's had an amazing summer. He's been amazing to watch and he's amazing around the lads, but it also provides an opportunity for whoever is coming in, so that's an exciting chance as well," Ollie Pope told reporters on Tuesday. 

Pope feels Bairstow will be missed

The year 2022 will be remembered for the resurgence of Jonny Bairstow in the red-ball format. The 32-year-old right-handed batter has been in stellar form for England this year, leading the way in Test cricket worldwide in 2022 with 1,061 runs to his name.

It is quite obvious that England are going to miss the services of their in-form batter but Pope believes that Bairstow's absence is an opportunity for other players to showcase their skills at the highest level and fill his boots.

"We're going to miss him, but at the same time, we've got enough guys who've been around a long time to feed off each other. The energy has been so good around the lads as well, so I'm sure we'll make up for his lost voice in the field," added Pope.

Bairstow's injury has opened the door for Yorkshire's Harry Brook to make his Test bow and fellow batter Pope, who played age-group international cricket alongside the former England U19 captain, is in no doubt the 23-year-old can make an impact if selected for the third Test at The Oval.

In all likelihood, Brook will replace Bairstow in the playing eleven against the Proteas and he will be looking to stamp his authority much like he did in the County Championship this year.

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