'It was a medical call. He’s (Jonny Bairstow) not looking 100% fit to keep wickets in a Test match for five days and that was the call that was made,' Root told the media
Southampton: England have named Jos Buttler as their wicket-keeper for the fourth Test against India in place of the injured Jonny Bairstow.
Bairstow suffered an injury to his left middle finger during the third Test in Nottingham. However, Bairstow will play in the team as a specialist batsman, captain Joe Root said on the eve of the match on Wednesday.
“It was a medical call. He’s not looking 100% fit to keep wickets in a Test match for five days and that was the call that was made,” Root told the media.
England have named their playing XI for the Test which starts on Thursday. Moeen Ali and Sam Curran are in the team, replacing Ollie Pope and the injured Chris Woakes.
Hampshire batsman James Vince was earlier released from the 14-man training squad and he is likely to play for Southampton in their county championship clash against Essex.
Buttler took over the big gloves in the third Test when Bairstow left the field with his injury. But the Yorkshireman was desperate to reclaim the gloves for the fourth Test.
Skipper Root was also pleased to welcome Ali back for the fourth Test.
“He's in fine form and scored in county games. For an international team, you need in-form players and Moeen has done the same thing in last two weeks,” Root said.
The 203-run defeat in Nottingham is a warning for the hosts. England will try to bounce back in the seaming friendly conditions at The Ageas Bowl, Root said.
“It's a big match for us. Our team has under-performed at Trent Bridge. But we have a great opportunity to put that right this time around. I think we have the biggest advantage is our home conditions. And I feel that we will be bouncing back surely,” Root added.
The five-match rubber is still in favour of England at 2-1.
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