ENG v SA 2022: WATCH – Jonny Bairstow’s participation in doubt for first T20I after unusual training in the gym

Bairstow lifted Curran on his back and completed a walking lunge in the gym.

England batter Jonny Bairstow has put his participation in the T20I series opener against South Africa under dark clouds after completing an unusual training exercise on Tuesday (July 26).

In a video doing rounds on social media, Bairstow was seen carrying teammate Sam Curran on his shoulders. On the same day, he was seen leaving a training session at Bristol’s Seat Unique Stadium with ice packs and strapping around his left knee.

According to a report published in The Associated Press, the 32-year-old was walking in discomfort on his way back to the locker room. However, no decision has been taken yet over his participation in the first T20 against South Africa on Wednesday (July 27).

With the first and second T20Is scheduled on successive nights, it would be no surprise to see Bairstow left out of the series opener in case of any lingering discomfort.

If Bairstow misses out then Phil Salt and Harry Brook would continue in the middle order, having featured in the last series against India,

While the cause of Bairstow’s injury is not known yet, there was a possible clue in a video shared by teammate Reece Topley on Instagram. The post showed Bairstow lifting Curran on his back and completing a walking lunge in the gym.

Jonny Bairstow is an integral part of the England team across three formats. He played a key role in England’s Test series victory over New Zealand and the rescheduled Test win against India this summer.

(With The Associated Press inputs)