Jonny Bairstow Talks About His Big International Comeback 

image-lfw0mlphJonny Bairstow has played 89 Tests for England [Source: Twitter]

A key architect in England's resurgence in Tests, Jonny Bairstow is eyeing a return to international cricket with a scheduled one-off five-day match against Ireland. Yorkshire coach Ottis Gibson, who is closely monitoring Bairstow, revealed that the wicketkeeper-batter should be ready for action by the end of May.

Bairstow suffered a freak injury last September and has since been out of action, forcing the superstar batter to miss the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, England's tour of Pakistan, and now the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

Bairstow was due to play for Punjab Kings (PKBS), who have now named Australia's Matthew Short as a late replacement. 

Here's what Gibson said:

“I’ve had a conversation with him and the medical team, who’ve done a great job, they think by the end of May he should be in position to play cricket.The medical team will let us know how far along he is but he is expecting, when I’ve spoken to him, to be in a position to play in England’s first Test. That’s what he is aiming for."

As per Nation, Gibson stated that Bairstow is expecting to regain fitness and play against Ireland in the Test starting May 26. 


In Bairstow's absence, players like Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, and Ben Duckett have made a name for themselves in Test XI, which going ahead will be interesting if the team management will play the former or stick with the youngsters looking at a jam-packed season ahead. 

Post the Ireland Test, England take on arch-rivals Australia in The Ashes 2023 at home.