WATCH: Jonny Bairstow spotted walking with an ice-pack on his knee, might miss the T20I series against South Africa

England and South Africa are set to lock horns in the first of the three-match T20I series commencing today i.e., on July 27 (Wednesday). Both teams are coming off a series draw in the three-match ODI with a score line of 1-1 with a washed-out fixture at Leeds in the third ODI.

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Before going into the three-match T20I series against the visitors, the English team is in a conundrum on the availability of senior batter Jonny Bairstow in the T20I series. Keeping that in consideration, the three lions might have to go with an alternative replacement for the 32-year-old right-hander. It may also be a setback for the hosts before the commencement of the last assignment of the home series.

The injury of Jonny Bairstow might come as a concern for the English management

A day before the opening fixture of the T20I series, the English team members were practicing at the County Ground of Bristol. All players were gearing up for the first encounter of the series against the Proteas.

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But on the other hand, the Yorkshire-based senior batter Jonny Bairstow was not looking well during the practice session. He is visible in the video walking up the stairs of the dressing room having an ice pack on his left knee with the support staff member.

Here's the video:

@jbairstow21 might miss the T20I series against South Africa, spotted walking with an ice-pack on his knee during the practice session in Bristol. #ENGvsSA pic.twitter.com/MVoIgenzBG

— Umesh Bharatpuria (@umeshbhartpuria) July 27, 2022

Considering the concern and after checking the intensity of his injury, the English management might decide to give a rest to the senior batter. Jonny Bairstow has been in good touch with the bat over the last few months.

Notably, he helped the English team to win the Test series against the World Test champions New Zealand. On the backs of his heroics in the last Test against the Kiwis, England managed to end the series with a clean sweep. They ended the series with a handsome score line of 3-0 to their name.

Following the conclusion of the three-match Test series against New Zealand, he continued his form in the rescheduled last Test match against India. Bairstow went on to smash centuries in both the innings of the match to help England in ending the five-match series at a draw of 2-2.