Jonny Bairstow: “It wasn’t too worrying but naturally there was a split-second where you think ‘Oh, no!'”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow has admitted that he was worried that he would be ruled out of the Ashes after being struck on the finger during England’s final warm-up fixture.

Bairstow was hit on his left middle finger off a delivery from all-rounder Chris Woakes on the first day of England’s draw against a Cricket Australia XI in Townsville.

Despite leaving the field to receive treatment, Bairstow was bandaged up and returned 11 overs later.

Even though he only suffered bruising, the 28-year-old initially feared it was much worse.

“There was actually, yes,” he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. “I had to go off just to make sure everything was okay. I put it in some ice and as soon as I knew it was fine it was a case of crack on.

“It’s not the first time I’ve had a knock on my fingers and I’m sure it won’t be the last. It wasn’t too worrying but naturally there was a split-second where you think ‘Oh, no!’, but it’s all good.”

The first Ashes Test between Australia and England begins on Thursday in Brisbane.