England's wicket-keeping batter Johnny Bairstow has been ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 and the third test match against South Africa due to a freak injury he suffered while playing golf. According to the statements released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Bairstow had suffered a lower-limb injury, understood to be in the left leg.
Bairstow is scheduled to see the medical expert next week for further assessment. From the ongoing reports, it can be said that he suffered the injury when he slipped while walking to a tee box while playing golf at Pannal Golf Club. According to ESPN Cricinfo examination, the injury is severe and can also lead to a fracture in his limb can rule him out of England tour of Pakistan for Tests after the T20 World Cup as well.
Missing on him is indeed a big blow to the three Lions since he is one of the best red-ball run-scorer and a senior in their white-ball teams. Although he has batted majorly in the middle-overs for the last two years, but he was supposed to open with Jos Buttler in the World Cup as revealed by ECB's managing director Rob Key.
Bairstow has stated,
"Unfortunately, I am going to be unavailable of [sic] games/tours in the immediate future," Bairstow wrote in a post on his Instagram story. "The reason being is that I have injured my lower leg in a freak accident, and it shall need an operation.
"The injury came when I slipped on the golf course this morning. I am gutted and want to wish everyone for this week at The Oval all the best firstly and the boys that are going to Australia for the T20 World Cup. Absolutely gutted! I will be back."
A day back, Jason Roy was also left out of England's squad for the T20 World Cup 2022 following his poor form.
