England wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow along with fast bowler Mark Wood and all-rounder Sam Curran will return to the England squad for the third and fourth Test of the upcoming four-Test series against India starting February 5 in Chennai.

After the conclusion of the two-Test series in Sri Lanka, Bairstow, Wood, and Curran had been rested for the first two Tests of the upcoming Test series in India as part of England's rotation system – the decision was heavily criticized by several former cricketers, including Michael Vaughan.

Earlier, England's assistant batting coach Graham Thorpe had revealed that Bairstow will join the national squad in India after the first Test against India, while defending the team’s decision to rest the players, given the bio-bubble situation enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Thorpe had said in the virtual press conference: “Every individual case is different. They are managing the amount of time in the environment. The T20 World Cup, which is coming up, got the IPL tournament as well where players gain a lot of experience. I suppose Jonny is on a white-ball contract at the moment as well but he is coming back in after the first Test back into the squad.”

However, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) media team later confirmed that the plan is still for Bairstow as well as Wood and Curran, to return for the third and fourth Test against India.

The ECB media team confirmed: “To clarify, the plan is still for Jonny Bairstow to return for the third and fourth Test and not the second Test. Along with Sam Curran and Mark Wood.”

Noteworthy, the four-Test series will be followed by five T20Is and three ODIs against India with the tour taking place from February 5 to March 28.

(With ANI Inputs)